An Ode to the Older Sibling You’re Grateful For

Thank you.

Thank you for being born first. It gave me an example and a role model.

Thank you for teasing me my entire life. It taught me to laugh at myself.

Thank you for keeping my secrets. It taught me about trust.

Thank you for bossing me around. It taught me to listen.

Thank you for being my harshest critic. It taught me to grow.

Thank you for being my biggest supporter. It taught me how to persevere.

Thank you for letting me steal your toys, clothes, and, well, everything. It taught me about sharing.

Thank you for “letting” me win. It taught me about selflessness.

Thank you for being annoying. It taught me patience.

Thank you for always being there. It taught me loyalty.

Most importantly, thank you for being you. Because by being you, you taught me how to be me.

• brother
• siblings
• sister