Growing up I always thought there was a missing piece in my life. I longed for an older brother, someone who could protect and look over me. It wasn’t until recently, when I realized that this piece wasn’t missing at all, it just fit a little differently. Almost my whole life I was the “big sister” At 13 months my brother Jack was born.

Now, this was not a decision my parents consulted me on, as I was just learning the concept of the game peek-a-boo. This role was something handed to me and I had no idea the responsibility I would have as the big sister. Due to the fact that my brother was a baby when I was baby, meant I never got to pick him up out of his crib or rock him to sleep. These tasks were not given to me until five years later, when my little brother Luke was born.

He was everything I imagined a little baby brother would be. I rocked him to sleep, fed him bottles, and played silly baby games with him. Even though I was living in this happy house with the cutest little baby brother, I still was not happy. I wanted an older brother. I began to attach myself to my friend’s older brothers and my older cousin T.J. I distanced myself from my little brothers. As we grew up together, we fought a lot, as most siblings do. Soon my senior year grew closer and closer and I began to look back at my relationship with my brothers and I realized how fast they had grown up.

So, to my little brothers, these next few paragraphs are for you. I love you with my whole heart. Enjoy and be prepared to grab some tissues.

Thank you: Thank you for the memories in our little yellow house. Thank you for always making me laugh even when I feel like crying. Thank you for not allowing me to be mad at you for longer than two hours. Thank you for jumping into my bed and listening to music with me. Thank you for being my students as I played teacher in the basement and not complaining about it. Thank you for “giving” me money when I wanted to go somewhere with my friends. Thank you for many many more memories that I know we are going to have together

Live in the moment: Coming from someone who feels like their high school experience flew by, do not take any moment for granted. Be present in any environment you are in. Something that comes with making memories is making mistakes. No matter how many mistakes you make come back a stronger and be a better person. High school doesn’t last forever but the memories and people you meet in those 4 short years will. As you go to college, be open-minded. It is a scary thing, but it makes you a stronger and a more independent person. Don’t be afraid to try new things.

I’ll always be there: Over the past few years, we have definitely grown closer. We tell each other a lot, and just because I live 130 miles away doesn’t mean that has to change. Our daily FaceTime calls and stupid Snapchats we send to each other is something that I never want to end. As you finish high school and move to college, you need to know that I will always be there. I will be there for every high school dance, every girl problem and as your number one fan.

I’ll always be there if you just need a hug (you know I’m always down for a hug) or just someone to watch a movie with.

You are two of my favorite people in the world, I will do anything I can to make you smile.

I am a better person because of you: I learned how to be caring, generous, and most importantly patient, with both of you coming into my life. I learned that family is forever even if we get in the stupidest fights. I learned that actions speak louder than words. Just because we don’t say the words “I love you” everyday doesn’t mean we don’t love each other with our whole hearts. You taught me life lessons I couldn’t have learned from anyone else.

To end this letter, I wanted to say that finally after 19 years of life I realized, I didn’t need an older brother, I just needed both of you. You are everything and more that I wanted as siblings. I love you.

Sincerely,

Your Older Sister