When you told my brother you were leaving for boarding school, he was so shocked, and upset that one of his closest friends, who was like another brother, was leaving him. To know that you would only see each other on breaks was heartbreaking to him and a lot of people at school.

Yet, it was so beneficial for you and it was incredible to watch. You grew up the fastest out of all of us, including me! You understood more about life than the average person does at age 30. It was so amazing to see you go through this transformation. Thank God you did, because you’ve influenced all of your friends, back home to change, in the similar ways. Especially, my brother.

Thank you for always making him laugh and all of us. Thank you for always being there for him. For picking him up when he is feeling down. His life hasn’t been the easiest, so to speak, and you’ve been there every step of the way. From coming home to surprise him or just checking up to see how he is doing. You have no idea how much that means to him and our family. You inspired him to live a more healthy life and it has shown. You are a constant reminder of what a good friend should be and thank you for setting that example for all of us.

Thank you for becoming like a little brother to me. You pick on me and beat me up equally as much as Johnny does, but it’s okay. I will forgive you one day. I find it easier to talk to you about things than most people. You’re a good listener, and I can always count on you to tell me things that maybe I don’t always want to hear, but you still say them, because you know it will help. Not to mention you constantly remind me not to be so negative about myself… I haven’t listened yet, but maybe one day!

Thank you for becoming a part of our family. Our crazy, sometimes dysfunctional- who am I kidding? All the time dysfunctional, but still loving, family. So even though you’ve shocked us all, once again, by moving to California, we still will love you no matter where we you decide to move to in the world. But never forget, you always have a home here at the Saporito house.

So thank you for everything you’ve done to brighten our lives. You’ve been a great best-friend and even better brother. Keep doing you brah. See you at Christmas pal!