Forgive me if I get emotional when you talk about getting my room, or if I seem insane for the next few days. It's just when you're preparing to leave the home you've known for 18 years, even if just for two months, it's scary and exciting, and overwhelming. With this said, I'd like to take this time before I leave to thank you for your contribution to my life so far.

Thank you for all those times you were my playmate, the times you had my back when no one else did. For going to the pool with me and making sure I was never alone (even if maybe I wanted to be). Thanks for all the wrestling practice, and the games of Ninja in the living room. For the board games, the challenges, the races, and the bets.

I'm sorry that sometimes I avoided or ignored you sometimes, and sorry for ratting on you to mom and dad those many, many times. I'm sorry I didn't always understand what you were going through, or told you to bugger off. Also for the names. Sorry about those.

Thanks for all the memories, the concerts, the arguments, the good times, the bad times and the fun times.

As I go off to college, you're getting ready for your next big step. I want you to make good decisions and to make good friends, just as much as, or more than I want things for myself. High school is scary, but I know you'll do well. There are going to be fun classes, tough teachers, and maybe some lifelong friends. There are going to be new experiences for both of us, and we can learn together.

Thanks for saying "I'll miss you." I know you will, but hearing you say it makes it mean that much more. I'll miss you too. You're going to drive mom and dad crazy and that's okay. I'm always here if they're getting overbearing or annoying, just to remind you that they did it to me too. With that said, I'll always have your back in any situation so call me anytime.

There's a lot in this world that you don't know yet, don't act like you know it all. That attitude won't get you anywhere. Be honest, be yourself. In just a short few years you'll be where I am now. Emotional about a bedroom you've grown attached to, stressed about what clothes things to bring with you and how you'll decorate your dorm. But you'll be prepared, since you watched me do it and you'll have my advice.

Thank you for not ratting me out, for comforting me and letting me comfort you when our parents just weren't cutting it, or when we're the only ones who understand each other. Thank you for making us get a dog, and for forcing me to play games with you. We'll appreciate it someday.

You're a pain in the ass sometimes, but I'd rather have you here than not at all. College will be weird when I don't see you everyday but that's why they invented phones. You know my number, use it. Please.

Enjoy my room, you deserve it. Just don't change anything, because it's still MY room. Enjoy being an only child for a few months at a time, and do whatever mom and dad say. Spend time with them, really listen to them, confide in them. It's a good idea.

I'll see you at Family Weekend, until then good luck.