It was Windham High School’s junior and senior prom this past Friday night and my younger brother attended with his girlfriend and several of their closest friends. It’s weird to think that just four years ago, I went off to my junior prom with my group of friends. Now, he’s all grown up and becoming a mature young adult. My brother was not looking forward to his prom; I think I was more excited for him! He’s not into getting all dressed up and taking pictures like that, but he knew he would have a good time anyways. Regardless, he wanted to make sure the night would be perfect; from the corsage and boutonniere, down to the bow tie and socks, he made sure to take care of everything. He and his girlfriend looked adorable together and it was very cute watching them go off together.

It was weird to go back to my old high school and see my old teachers as well as kids I graduated with three years ago. We’re all growing up and going our separate ways, and those very same people also have younger siblings who were attending the prom.

Having a younger brother is almost like receiving a bad gift from a relative on your birthday; it’s not what you asked for but you have to pretend like you like it anyways. That’s kind of how I felt when Christian was born. I wanted a little sister so I’m sure you could imagine the disappointment I felt when I found out I was getting a brother. It’s hard to believe that, almost 18 years later, my not so little younger brother is growing up and will be graduating high school next year. Where has the time gone?

It’s been bittersweet watching him grow up over the past few years. From starting high school, to getting his license; he’s not so little anymore. I remember when we were much younger, growing up we were really close. Now, I can barely get a conversation out of the kid. He may not realize, but his older sister is very proud of the person he’s becoming. We may fight and we definitely don’t always get along, but he’s still my younger brother and I hope he knows that I am always here to support him no matter what.

So Christian, if you're reading this, I know you find me annoying and you hate it when I’m home from school, but just know that I’m always here if you need me. You may think these are some of the most important years of life, but don’t worry, they’re really not. It may be hard; people are telling you that you need to have the rest of your life figured out over the course of these next few years. Believe me, that is not the case. It’s okay to not know what you want to do. I’m in college and I still don’t know what I want to do. You will make many big decisions and change your mind several times and that’s okay. But… that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it while you still have the chance; just don't stress over it too much. We may fight, and we may get on each other's nerves, but at the end of the day, you’re still my little brother and I love you very much.