What is a big brother?
He's one of the first boys to hold your small and fragile body.
He looks into your tiny green eyes with fascination while all you can do is cry.
He wants to help Mommy with the new baby.
He misses the attention but knows you're helpless without it.
He's patient.
He's the first boy to ever hate you and love you at the same time.
He watches as Mom and Dad help you take those first monumental steps.
He helps you every day to pronounce "Brandon" and probably something along the lines of that he's the best.
He now wishes you could stop talking for five seconds and leave him alone.
He's the first boy to make you cry.
He won't let you play because you're a girl and you're much too little.
He plays with his friends instead and calls you a brat.
He's at home less and less.
He's not the same boy who would hold your hand to cross the street and you don't know why.
He makes a lot of mistakes.
He learns.
He's at home more.
He's sad and you don't know why.
He has pain and regret in his eyes but you only see him as pristine.
He gives you more hugs than you'd like to admit you really want.
He's the first boy to tell you he loves you more than anything in the world.
He doesn't take your admiration for granted.
He jokes around with you and he gets that nerdy little grin on his face.
He smiles big and bright at your imitation of a man voice.
He's packing up boxes with his clothes and books.
He holds you tight before saying goodbye and kisses the top of your little auburn head.
He leaves.
It's quieter around the house and you miss his warm bear hugs.
His hazel eyes droop but yours still stay an adoring green.
He visits but you wish he'd stay.
He has his own life now and you have to wait a little longer to have yours.
He gives you his two cents even if you don't want it.
He helps you with your art until the sun rises the next day.
He has bags under his eyes like wights pulling him down.
He can't come over as often because he has a lot to do.
He's your confidant.
He'd give up his life for yours and you wouldn't hesitate a second to do the same.
He never forgets to give you your warm bear hug before going back to his home.
He always says I love you before leaving because he knows how far those three little words can go.
He's weird but you like weird.
You never get embarrassed by his warm bear hugs.
He's your soft teddy bear.

Brandon, I love you more than all of the stars in the sky. I love you more than all the grains of sand on the earth. I love you because you've taught me one of the most important lessons that I will ever learn, to be kind. You have more generosity in your little finger than I do in my whole body, but you still accept me the way I am. You've taught me how to love people even when they hurt you because everyone deserves love. Your heart is so big and full of love because you've been through so much and you've been hurt so badly, but you keep looking up. Life may get you down sometimes but you've never turned your back on the ones you love. Your kindness is inspirational to me and I can't imagine my life without you.

I have six best friends, and I'm lucky to call you one of them.

I think you're a pretty cool kid.