When I left for college my freshman year, you were my hardest goodbye.

When I came home from school over any break that year, you were my favorite hello hug.

When I dropped you off at college your freshman year, I couldn’t believe that you were where I was a year ago. I never thought that you would grow up so fast. Although I wanted to burst into tears as you walked back to your building as Mom and I drove away, I kept my composure, because it was Mom’s time to do the crying and I knew that I would see you soon enough.

Some brothers and sisters take advantage of one and other for too long before they realize how important it is to have a good relationship with them. Who else is supposed to have your back when Mom catches you sneaking in the back door after curfew? Who else would I watch stupid movies with and stay in with when our friends were being stupid? Little brother, I hope you know how much I appreciate the relationship we have developed over 18 years. You are my little buddy, and always will be.

Thank you for all the times you wiped my tears away because someone was being mean to me and thank you for all the times you took my side when I was fighting with Mom or Dad. I could always count on you to have my back and stick up for me, even if I was in the wrong because you never let your big sister fly solo.

Thank you for continuously supporting me in every decision I make and reminding me that no matter how hard life may get, everything will always be OK. Thank you for reassuring me that if my life doesn't work out how I hope it to that I will always have a bed in your million-dollar home that you will one day own.

I hope you know how proud I am of you. All of your hard work in high school led to amazing success in college, and everyone your age should admire how far you have come. I do not know anyone who can push themselves in the way that you do. You never let the parties keep you from studying, but you still know how to let loose when you're supposed to.

Though you are younger then me, I look up to you. Words will never be able to describe how thankful I am to be able to call you my brother.

As your big sister it is my job to always protect you and always support you. I will always brag about your amazing ability to put others before yourself and push yourself to always do better. I wish I had the self-motivation that you do to bring myself to work out whenever I need a break from society instead of binge-watching Netflix shows.

Though you are only 19, I look at you and how far you have come and think that you must be 26 years old. Thank you for always wearing your heart on your sleeve.

Never forget that you are my little buddy and there is nothing that could ever change that. There is no one who could ever come between our relationship and there is no way I will have anyone but you be the god-father to my first child.

Keep up the good work little brother. Because of you I am happy that I am a big sister, and remember that I believe one day you will change the world.