When I was almost 3 years old, Mom and Dad celebrated by giving me the best gift I could ever ask for—you, my younger brother. At the time, I didn’t exactly think this way, though. Our mother reminds me how she took me to sibling class and I was THAT child complaining and wishing that you wouldn’t take away my only-child life.

As we grew up, we grew close, but I still wasn't so sure about you. We would ride our bikes all day until you fell in the street, and Mom would yell at me for not taking better care of you. We would color all over the walls until Mom yelled at me for not teaching you what to do. We would wrestle until Mom got upset that I was hurting the baby. To make it short and simple, you got me in trouble...a lot. As we got even older, I went into school, and you wanted to follow me everywhere. I couldn't let you tag along to everything because I was trying to fit in and be cool. I thought you would just drag me down.

We had our own lives with our own interests and that worked pretty well for us. Still, you were there through all the breakups, fights with friends, bad grades, and all the other depressing, angering, and upsetting moments in life. You made me strong and always made happy times happier. When I went away to college, it was weird, but I was more than excited to try this next step of my life. Whenever I visited home, you were there, and though we didn't hang out everyday, we picked up right where we left off.

Little did I know that it would hit me so hard when you went into college. You became the familiar at home, and you wouldn't be there anymore. I tried to convince you to go the same place as me, everything I had claimed to dread my entire life, because I couldn't think of not seeing you for a long period of time. I never knew how close we really were until you weren't there to pick on or hang out with. The day all your bags were packed and you were walking out the door to start your life at a new university, you held me tight and said goodbye. Tears filled my eyes, and I didn't want to let you go.

But I realized, though it broke my heart to see you leave, it makes me so happy to watch you succeed in life. You're my little brother, but even more so, you're my hero, my motivation, my best friend, and I'm your biggest fan. Have the best time in college, but don't forget to call. Make the most of your time, but don't do anything I wouldn't (which we all know is nothing). Reach for the stars and you will always achieve your goals. No matter how big you get or how far you go, I will always be here, and I will always be your older sister. There are not enough thanks in the world for me to give you, but I'll try anyway—thanks for everything you've taught me and the relationship we have.

Remember I love you and always will.