“A brother is a friend God gave to you; a friend is a brother your heart chose for you.”
If you’ve grown up with an older brother like I have, you know the life long love and struggles that come with him. As a younger sibling, we tend to always look up to our older brother.
They become our role models, our go to person and best friend. With years and years I have discovered that my hero does not wear a fancy cape but carries a heart of gold that I hold so dearly. Even though at times he may seem like you are the biggest pain in his life, you are his biggest joy.
Time after time you have done countless things to annoy him, things that drive him off the wall, but he fights daily to protect and love you. Other than a parents love, I feel that there is no greater bond in love than there is between siblings. A lot of the things my brother has done for me goes unnoticed and at times i’m sure he has felt unappreciated by his gestures because my lack of gratitude. We all tend to take the smallest things for granite, especially those we love. Because I know I haven’t told him lately, here is the thank you letter that all older brothers deserve every once in a blue moon.
Dear Brother,
I want to first off thank you for being my life long playmate and best friend. Even when I ripped every toy you had apart and busted your favorite things, you returned to me hours later with a smile. You’ve held my hand when I’ve fallen and kissed my boo boo’s since day one.
When mommy would put me in time out, you’d defend me and blame yourself to get me out of trouble. You’ve taken up for me when I was wrong and never questioned me over anything you know I wouldn’t do. From the time I’ve been in piggy tails till now, you’ve kept me safe, you’ve kept me close. Without your guidance through my earliest years in this hateful world, i’m afraid I would not be who I am.
Thank you for reminding me always that I matter. You’ve always been able to tell if there is something wrong and bring me back into my happiest place. Whether it be from teasing me till I pee or making funny faces till I crack a smile, you’ve always found a way. You bring me back down a level of understanding when I do not see things clearly. You’ve also reminded me in times, that I am not the only one that matters. you’ve kept me straight and given me a reality check when I needed it most. You’ve given me hope in your goofy ways, when I feel that there is no hope left. You’ve always seen the bigger picture.
Thank you for setting great expectations. Without being the man you have become I could not strive to be better. You’ve given me a sense of pride to call you my brother with all your achievements and drive to out do the limits that those set in front of you. You seen this life early than I did and have encountered so much.
That is why I take each wise word and lesson you give to heart. I sit back in amazement at your ability to give so much in life, without taking. You’ve set such great examples of what a person should be and for that I will always be forever grateful.
Thank you for showing me what I can and cannot get away with. Although I’ve made it hard and not always made the best of decisions, you’ve given me the greatest lesson in right and wrong. I may have stubbed up and not talked to you for hours for ratting me out to mom and dad, but looking back i’m thankful you did. Without those moments of your honesty, I would not have learned some of my greatest lessons. You’ve taught me that with everything I do, there is a consequence whether I know it or not. For this I have become more grounded in my choices and appreciated your judgment even though I didn’t understand it at the time.
And while i’m thanking you, I would also like to throw in a apology for the times I’ve let you down, hurt you, or over looked just how much you do as my brother. My favorite part of being your sister has always been how you can take with great pride the thank you I didn’t give but know I meant.
As your baby sister, just so you know, I will never be less annoying… but please know that no one would possibly love you more than I do. Even if I show it in ways you may not understand fully.
You’ve given me the best life a girl could ask for, even if it did involve a lot of worms, dirt and Tonka trucks at times. I’ve been blessed with every moment God has give me with you. I could spend every waking moment with you and still not feel like I’ve had enough time with you because you teach me something new with every day to come.
I appreciate you, I’m proud of you and most importantly I love you with all my heart. Thank you for being my big brother and holding me in both your hands with the up most love. While people may come and go, you will be in my heart for a lifetime.
Love always,
your rotten little sister!
18 years of my life down with you, a million more to go:)
