I never thought I would thank you for something I complained about for my whole 18 years of existence but here it goes: thank you. Thank you for all of the times I thought you were just being my "over protective" or my "crazy" older brother. As I have gotten older, I've realized the method to your madness even when I would get mad, roll my eyes, and have a quick sarcastic response to you telling me I can't wear those “short shorts” or telling me how miserable I'll be in ten years if I don't do well in high school not get that diploma.

I never understood why you were always so tough with me but so easy going with the rest of our siblings. I guess I figured you thought you could push me around because you're older but you were actually practically helping mom and dad raise me. You would constantly be on my case over things that mom and dad would let me off the hook easily with or things that you managed to find out on your own somehow. If it was not for you scaring me into doing what I should be doing I would not be as determined as I am today and I probably would of slacked off and not done what I should of. I would not trade all the times I was mad at you for being so strict and protective and literally scaring me into doing what I needed for the world.

The both of us have not had the easiest lives yet you still have managed to always make mine a little better. Whether it was buying me what I really wanted for Christmas, giving me money to go out to the mall with my friends, or wiping my tears and keeping me strong throughout daddy’s battle with cancer, to this day you always look out for me in any way that you can. I do not want to get all emotional but I will never forget that pep talk you gave me in the car ride home from the hospital when I could not stop sobbing after finding out daddy’s cancer was terminal. You taught me something so valuable that day, and you made it clear to me that I am such a strong girl. You told me I needed to think positively and that really helped me get through those rough 13 months.

Now that I am older, you are only a little more lenient with me but if it was not for that tough love growing up I would not be the strong, smart, and independent woman I am today. Eddie, I can not thank you enough for all that you have done for me. You may just think you're doing your job as a brother but you're doing so much more. I'm probably going to regret saying this because I can already hear the cocky remarks you're going to make, but I look up to you for the strong, funny, outgoing and independent person you are. Once again, thank you for being you. I love you so much bro.

Love always,

Your spoiled baby sister

Ps. Sorry for always making daddy play my music in the mountaineer or I would throw a fit. Much love brothaa!