Dear Rohil,

I don’t know what being an older sibling is like but I know you’ve been a pretty good one. For the last 13 years, you’ve always been there for me. You work hard and aim for the best. You help me with everything from school to softball to having fun. You used to be good at baseball, but I think my softball abilities have beaten you now. I guess that’s because of all the time we’ve spent working on it. You’ve been my biggest supporter, and best teacher. I can’t wait to see what you end up doing in college and beyond. I’ll miss having you there to hang out, but it’s okay cause now Vader is all mine. Good luck in college!

Love, Trisha

Dear Trisha, 

I’m going to miss you. No worries though, because I’m fairly close. I’ll make sure to stop by during softball season. I’ve done my best to teach you everything (albeit a small amount) that I know. And you’ve taught me a whole lot too. I’ve learned how to be a big brother. I’ve learned to pick my battles. And you’ve taught me how to be a more well-rounded person. You being born changed my life, and certainly for the better. Before I leave, I have two pieces of advice. First, pick something, and make sure you work your hardest at it. As unfortunate as it is, it’s always good to have something to miss when your school year abruptly gets canceled. Secondly, search for the fun in life. High school is stressful, and the fun times can disappear if you don’t go looking for them. Make sure you do. Carmel High School has 5,000 people who can help with that, so meet as many of them as possible. We’ll both be freshmen next year, which is both terrifying and thrilling. Let’s make it as thrilling as possible.

Love, Rohil

Dear Nora, Georgia, and Vera,

When I think of all the things I’m going to miss when I head off to college, you guys are always at the very top of my list. Instead of looking at this as a sad or a negative thing, I want to thank you. Thank you because it means we have done our jobs right. Our jobs to support and to challenge one another, to lead and to follow, to teach and to learn, and above all to love. As sisters with such large age differences, navigating a relationship with each of you has been a unique experience. Nora, there is no one in the entire world that can make me laugh harder and I learn from your caring heart every day. Georgia, your fierce determination and quick wit inspire, amuse, and scare me in equal parts. Vera, you’re not even old enough to read this and yet you’ve taught me so much about responsibility and unconditional love. This is getting embarrassingly sappy, so I’ll wrap this letter up by saying thank you for never allowing there to be a single dull moment. From making parodies of famous rap videos to spontaneous dance parties in the kitchen, it’s because of you that I think of my childhood as filled with laughter and music and chaos. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Love, Emma