Dear Adam and Austin,
I want to start off by saying thank you. Thank you for being my best friends, my shoulders to cry on, my greatest supporters and my comedic relief. Even though we are all quite literally on opposite sides of the country, I know who I can always turn to whenever anything comes up in my life. I am the luckiest little sister to have two big brothers that care for me and are as involved in my life as both of you. Our sibling bond is the closest one I have ever encountered, and I am eternally grateful for that.
Thank you for being there for me no matter what. Whether I am nervous about an upcoming exam or I need advice about handling any given situation, you two are the first people from whom I seek advice. You have helped me understand how to grow into a mature and responsible young adult. Your genuinity and constant support are unmatched with anyone else I know; I know that in any decision I make, I will have your undying support along with your insightful input. I am so grateful for the way mom and dad raised us: to be best friends. I realize now that the bond that we all share is not all that common, and I am forever grateful to share that with you both. I am so excited for the future when we have families of our own and are able to show our own kids what it is like to have this once-in-a-lifetime bond.
Thank you for paving the way for me in school and sports in our hometown. I never went into a classroom on the first day of school without being “Adam’s sister” or “Austin’s sister.” Yes, it did get repetitive sometimes and I did want to make my own reputation, but you guys did a pretty good job, so I guess I shouldn’t complain; I understand how great you guys are. In the end, this always provided me with comfort and pride knowing that the two of you make such a lasting impression upon everyone you meet. This always made me strive to be as good of a student as both of you are. It can be hard to live up to the pride that a future doctor and a Boeing engineer brings to our parents, but you both inspire me to work as hard as I can and be the best I can be. As for sports, I would definitely not be as tough or strong if it wasn’t for your constant pushing me around in basketball, football or soccer. Even today, I always look forward to when we are all together and can play these sports, just like old times. Although I have definitely had my fair share of cuts and bruises after our sports competitions, I really don’t mind (even if I did cry to mom every single time when I was younger). On that note, I really am sorry for the tattling that would happen no matter how much you guys or your friends told me to stop crying and tried cheering me up.
Lastly, thank you for all the memories. Spending any sort of time with both of you is honestly one of my favorite things in this world. Looking back on our millions of memories, I often think about our favorite: “family sleepovers.” This togetherness even carried over when you guys were with your friends. I know having your little sister around your friends all the time was probably not your ideal way of spending time when you were younger. Thank you for including me in everything you did, whether it was playing basketball in the driveway, swimming in the bay down the shore or even just having a conversation with your friends. Most of my favorite memories from my childhood involve hanging out with you guys and your friends, even though a large portion of it consisted of all of you making fun of me (which actually made my skin thicker and allowed me to learn to laugh at myself). To this point, I even saw most of your friends as my older brothers, too. When I would spend hours at the baseball field every single weekend in elementary and middle school, I didn’t mind because I would be so excited just to watch you all play (okay, and get food from the snackbar). Going to dinner at Ott’s after games or having your friends sleepover was my favorite part, though, because I knew that any time spent with you would be a future cherished memory. I wouldn’t trade any of these memories for anything at all. I know I’ll carry these stories with me for a lifetime.
I know I have said it multiple times in this letter now, but thank you both so much for everything you have done for me. I would not be any of the person I am today without having you two as my brothers. I can truly say I am the luckiest little sister in the world to have the most compassionate, caring and reliable brothers in this world. I am so proud of all the things you guys are doing and accomplishing every single day and I will continue to be your biggest fan along the way. A thank-you letter does not repay you for everything you have given me, but I think it is a good place to start. I know I don’t say it enough, but I love you guys so much and I can’t wait to see both of you so soon!
Love,
Your Little Sister (Deed, Myemyes, Dedemeyer)
P.S. Adam–thank you also for giving me the best future sister-in-law as well to add to our sibling and family bond!