To my youngest brother,

Before I leave for college I want you to know that the last 13 years have been some of the best and I have you to thank for that. We may fight, we may drive our parents crazy, but honestly I haven't met siblings who don't fight on occasion and we wouldn't have any fun if we didn't drive Mom and Dad crazy. So here are a list of things I have to thank you for:

Thank you for making me mad

This may seem odd, but I am glad that you have pushed all of my buttons at least twice. You have taught me to control my temper and that is a great tool to have going into college.

Thank you for being you no matter what

Even when I say you are being annoying, I am grateful that you don't change. You have been consistent and that is something that is now hard to come by. Don't let anyone change who you are because you are an amazing person to be around.

Thank you for being competitive

If it wasn't for our game nights, basketball in the driveway, swimming across the pool and random games we made up I wouldn't know how to lose gracefully. Keep believing that everything is a competition, because I have found that was one way to push myself that nobody else could, just remember to compete with yourself and not others.

Thank you for allowing me to watch you grow

Although this may seem like a given to you, sometimes siblings don't get to watch each other grow into independent people.I am grateful you allowed me to help you grow into the great young man you are becoming and don't think that just because I'm going to college you are going to talk to me less. I plan on you texting me to help with homework and I like to give advice to you, don't forget that.

Thank you for remembering I'm still growing up, too

I have made some questionable decisions in the past 13 years of your life and I am glad that you have looked beyond those things and have seen that I am trying to do what's right. I can't thank you enough for always being there through everything.

Thank you for your advice

You're wise beyond your years and what you lack in experience in life you make up for in heart. I take your advice, usually -- and it is usually right. I can't thank you enough for this.

Thank you for believing in me

In everything, whether I was cheering, out on the court, running the track or helping out the robotics team, you always helped me do my best -- even if the cheering in the house got annoying. You went on runs with me, stayed after school so I didn't have to take you home and I could just start working on robotics stuff, and gave me someone to play against no matter what the sport was. These are memories we cannot replace.

Thank you for doing the little things

Getting me an ice pack, my phone charger, when I can't walk back down the stairs, a glass of water, or occasionally food from the store are things that you do and I don't have to ask more than once. I am gratefull that you take care of me and I know that one day you will treat a girl with such respect because of this and she will be one lucky girl -- not the luckiest because that's me; I got to have you as a brother.

Thank you for the big things

From being a supportive fan in the stands, to letting me teach you things -- those are the things I will always cherish. I will never forget the times we have gotten in trouble together or covered for each other. Even though I have told on you my fair share of times, nobody has your back better than I do, and I know that you have my back, too, and that is one of the biggest things in life.

Thank you for always making me laugh

If it wasn't for your quirky sense of humor, I don't know if I would be able to talk to you (kidding of course). I know that even when I get mad at you, you make me laugh and it's hard to stay mad even when you might deserve it.

Honestly, thank you for everything you do not just for me, but for everyone. Keep being the kind person you are and don't let anyone tell you that is wrong. Thank you for everything.

Love always,

Your Big Sister