These people are often your first best friend. They are the ones who will be there to pick up the pieces, to tell you to stay strong and get over it. They’re the ones who know just how much of a weirdo you can be, but are stuck with you because well you’re family. They are your older brother. So, here’s a thank you letter to my older brother for everything that he has done for me.
Dear big brother,
As much as we argued and didn’t always get along when we were little, we’ve come a long way since then. I remember when we were younger I was often your sidekick and tester for your grandiose ideas. The sledding jumps you would make I was the one who had to go off of them first. I remember teasing Grandma and Grandpa’s cat that hated everyone except Grandpa and going to the carnival where you were a little too competitive on the bumper cars. Even though I got hurt sometimes, became mad at you for it, and told Mom on you, I now look back on those memories and find it comical.
I remember watching “A Christmas story” every holiday season, all of the Rocky movies, Zorro and your favorite golf movies, “The Greatest game ever played,” and “Bobby Jones: A Stroke of Genius,” over and over again. After you left for college, that is when we became a lot closer and our big brother, little sister relationship became more of a friendship. I thank you for the times you helped me in high school with my golf game and actually thinking I was cool enough to hang out with, when you came home for the holidays. I’ve always admired your assertiveness, discipline and determination when it came to accomplishing your goals. You have already accomplished so much, I can’t wait to see what else you will do.
The fact that we are getting older, I know I can always count on you when I need help. I’m grateful that I do have a badass older brother like you who will always believe in me, protect me-even if it is too much at times and be honest with me, even when I don’t always want to hear it. I thank you for reminding me that if I ever need anything, to let you know and for being both a father/brother role for me, after Dad passed away, even if you felt obligated to. No one else understands the struggles and obstacles we have faced in our life as much as you do, and how we’ve been there for each other for support. I appreciate the times you ask for my advice and when you do the simplest things like call or snapchat, to show me that you care. As much as you are just my older brother, you have always been a great role model too. And even though you might not always show it, I know you love me and will always be there.
With love,
Your “little sister.”