My dearest Brendan,
As I sit here and think back to April 8, 1993 I can't help but remember how happy I was when Mom told me I was going to be a big sister. I waited patiently for you, with a stuffed clown named Bobo (and for this I'm so very sorry-clowns freak me out, WHY did I pick that out!?), until the minute that I could finally meet my baby brother. Little did I know, you would become my best friend and we would have a bond that no one else in the world would ever experience.
I watched you learn how to crawl, walk and talk. I saw your eyes light up when you spotted a John Deere tractor from a mile away and just simply said in awe, "WOWWWWWWWW". Your smile fascinated me, your hugs made me feel so loved.
I even took you to Hooters for your 13th birthday!! Ha! Only a big sister is allowed to do something like that! You blushed the whole time:o)
Growing up, we were close but it wasn't until you turned 16 that we became inseperable.
I took you to a Phillies game for your 16th bday, a night I'll never forget. That was the night I tried to convert you from a NY Yankees fan to a Philadelphia Phillies fan, and well, it didn't happen BUT we DID manage to have a fun time together. You were introduced to the competitive side of your big sister, especially when it comes to Philly sports:o)
Living at home was one of the best times of my life, simply because I got to spend so much time with you. It may have been watching a movie together or talking about your first crush, to proofreading a paper for one of your classes and talking about what colleges you wanted to get into.
Ever since you started playing football as a little kid, I was your biggest fan at heart.
When you played for the high school football team that I once cheered for, I earned the title of "Your #1 fan". I was so honored to paint #13 on my face and yell from the bleachers, proud that my little brother was the quarterback calling plays on the field. You put so much effort and determination into the game each and every day in a way that anyone could look up to you for.
I learned a lot about you and your friends, driving them home from practice or taking you to the midnight release of the new Call of Duty game for Xbox 360 (I still think I was the ONLY girl in line that night!).
You soon learned to drive, and boy did we go through ups and downs with that! I really thought you were the worst driver ever at first but you mastered it and started driving on your own. I got to meet your first girlfriend and you weren't embarrassed to introduce her to me (hooray!).
The day soon came when I needed to "fly the nest" so-to-speak. Saying goodbye to you and moving out was the hardest decision I've ever had to make, especially when I would be moving 2 states away. The look on your face was something I'll never forget, I felt like I crushed your heart but when I told you I was moving in with the love of my life, a smile spread over your face that was indescribeable. Thank you for always being there, to listen, to support, to love. Our little sister, Deanna, has looked up to us both for a good example to live by and I think we have done such a great job as a team showing her what a sibling bond is really about.
I always told Nick that if we were to get married, he needed to do the right thing and ask for my Dad's blessing, and yours as well. You are that important to me. Nick responded by "I was already planning on doing that", he just knew.
Sure enough, on March 12, 2011, Nick asked me to marry him and told me the story of how he asked my Dad and how he wasn't sure what to say to you but you were so thrilled that he, without a doubt, has made me the happiest girl alive.
And today, you turn (gulp), 18 years old. Holy cow, where has time gone!?
I am so sorry I can't be there with you today but I am ecstatic that you are coming to visit at the end of the month and we will get to celebrate together!! I can't wait to see you!
Enjoy your special day and just know that your big sister loves you, xo
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
