Of course, my brother and I don’t always see eye to eye. Of course, we argue every once in a while. Of course, my brother and I have wanted to strangle each other at one point or another. Of course, we butt heads, but, despite all the flaws in our relationship, I can honestly say it’s been great having him by my side for the last 19 years. I’ve learned a lot over the years and it’s easy to say that I have an absolutely amazing brother, even though he’s probably the biggest pain in the butt I’ve ever known.

One of the best things about having an older brother is having a built in bodyguard. Through everything, I’ve always had backup and someone to defend me. Of course, I see a teddy bear and someone who laid on the floor six years ago to let our new puppy use him as a jungle gym; others, however, definitely see his current six-foot frame towering over my own five foot two frame as a threat. There was no better feeling than seeing the jerk from the back of the bus retreat as soon as my brother stood up back in elementary school. I have never been afraid to stand tall because, I knew, if I fell I had someone there pick me up again.

I am grateful for my big brother for reasons other than him coming to defend me. He has also taught me how to stand up for myself. As many siblings do, we’ve fought many times during our lives and over time I learned to fight back. One day I realized, if I can stand up against someone so close to me, I can stand up against those truly hurting me. Whether it was with words or fists, because in one way or another one of us always came out on top, I learned at the very least to hold me own. I’m stronger because I’ve had someone challenging me my whole life.

By far the best part of having a brother is that I get the best of both worlds. We stand apart because we are so different but we also stand together. Growing up I was able to hang out with him and his friends as well as having my own. I was able to embrace my “girly” side but also enjoy the comfort of hand me down gym shorts and t-shirts. I was able to get a guy’s opinion without having to leave the comfort and trust of my own family as well as providing my own woman's touch to whatever he was working on at the time.

So, yes having a brother can be irritating and infuriating but it is also entertaining and comforting. I will most likely never admit it out loud, at least not until his wedding day, but I am more than happy to have an older brother. Thank you to my bodyguard, my closest enemy, and the biggest pain in the neck in my life. I guess, I love you.