We all have our heroes, role models, and people we look up to whether it's our parents, teachers, or coaches--the list goes on. I am here saying that I am lucky to have a big brother who is that person for me, and these are some of the few reasons why I am so thankful to have him as that guiding light in my life.

1. For our mutual love for sports.

Remember the time I was goalie for soccer and you made me stand in the back yard while you kicked the ball as hard as you could at me so I wasn't scared of the it anymore? Or how about the time you explained every position in football to me then forced me to recite them until I understood how the game worked? Or the time when you would take me to the courts and we would practice shooting for hours since you knew how much I cared about basketball? I remember every moment and I am so thankful because you helped me become a fearless, aware, and dedicated athlete and I have transferred those traits to other aspects of my life.

2. For every teacher in high school calling me "Smitty."

Normally in a high school, you would think that since Smith is such a popular last name, not many of the students with it are not related, but since Muncy, PA is the smallest town in central Pennsylvania, everyone knew I was your little sister. Nothing would make me prouder than the stories I was fortunate enough to her from teachers, especially about the time you melted pennies to the floor in chemistry. But thank you for paving the path for me and giving me a heads up on the most difficult classes, it paid off and got me through high school.

3. For reminding me not to give up on love.

Anyone who knows what you have gone through with love has not been easy, and if I were you I would have given up. I have not gone through half as much heart break as you, and I it still pains me to the core. However, you have gone to hell and back and still believe in a future filled with love and happiness. I don't think you realize how much that inspires me to keep pushing forward and to always believe in love. So thank you, for demonstrating that there is a hopeful future and no, I have no reason to give up on love.

4. For supporting me, even if you can only give so much.

We are all tight on finances, we are all tight on time, and we are all tight with how much we can give. But what I do know, is that you will support me no matter where I go, and sometimes a simple reminder of "It will be okay," is all you need to get by. So thank you, for your constant support, whether you are near or far, it means the world.

5. For being honest with me.

Remember that time you told me I have a lot to learn before being an adult? I slightly resented you at the time because I thought I was always a responsible person, but the truth is I am always learning and growing, so those traits develop over the years. You were right, and at times the honesty may seem harsh, but I need to hear it and I know I can always count on you to share that brutal honesty with me.

6. For showing me that it is okay to be yourself.

You are the only person I know who would run down the street at 2 A.M. yelling "It's pizza time!!!!" You don't care about what anyone else thinks and I wish I had that same mindset. I wish I was brave enough to fearlessly share myself with other people and be that person without hesitation, but I struggle with that majorly, while you do it with pride. You remind me that if I cannot not make everyone happy, I mind as well at least make myself happy. And please never forget who you are, because I would never want to have my big brother be another way.

7. For taking care of me when I couldn't.

I'll never forget the summer when our mom first went to the hospital and it was just you, Vickie, and me in the house. You were forced to take care of us since we were so young, and you deserve so much credit for the strength you had during that time. And even though it was a tough time, I would give anything to have those nights when we would stay up playing Monopoly and eating pizza together once again because we were never closer than that summer. Thank you for taking care of us, and thank you for getting me through the other difficult times when I didn't think I could do it alone.

8. For making mistakes.

For the person who went to college, then went into the Army, then back to college, then right into a career, you have gotten where you have because you have tried and failed, but kept pushing through. You have failed and shown me that it is okay to fail, as long as you get back on your feet afterwards. You have helped me see that even though you are heading down a certain path, it's not always the right one for you, and it's okay to change directions so you can steer yourself to where you need to go. Mistakes are okay as long as you learn from them, so thank you for demonstrating the importance of making them and taking those risks.

9. For always making me laugh.

I'll never forget the time we watched "Trailer Park Boys" on Netflix for a whole night because nothing made me laugh harder as silly as it was and nothing made me feel better. I also will never forget the times when you and Vickie would break into my room and either wake me up by banging pots and pans, by spraying me with silly string, or by tickling me. As ticked as I was for waking me up, you guys knew it would make me laugh and those are my favorite moments. I am so grateful we have the same humor and can watch Stepbrothers, Talladega Nights, and Space Jam, a million times and still crack up, so thank you for always putting a smile on my face.

10. For loving and protecting me.

After I told you about the assaults and after anything serious has happened, I know you wanted to be there for me and save me from the world. You wanted to shelter me from any harm and protect me from being hurt. I know you wish you could take the pain away and change what happened. And I know I am not easy to get along when I go through tough times because I push everyone away, but you still care about me and are there for me. So thank you for that. And also, thank you for loving me even though I am not the easiest person to love. I am one lucky little sister.

Thank you, big bro, for being the best big brother I could ever have. I love you.