From the day we are born, some of us are given the opportunity to be loved and watched over by not just our parents, but also our older siblings. We often forget to remind them of the special place they hold in our heart. These are 10 things I want my older siblings to know.

1- You know me better than I know myself.

You have known me since the day I entered this world. You watched me grow and took care of me. You learned every detail about who I am as a person. You understand my mood as if it is second nature. You know what makes me happy and exactly how to push my buttons. You could read me like the back of your hand.

2- You’re welcome for all the times I covered for you.

All the times you were having a “movie” night at a friend’s house. All the times you would sneak out late. For all the times you had told Mom and Dad you were running late, yes, they believed you, thanks to me — the golden child.

3- I’m sorry for all the times I did tell on you.

OK. Let’s admit that coming up with so many lies for you did get exhausting after awhile, and I was running out of material to work with. I never did it to intentionally hurt you, or get you grounded, but I did have to keep the title of the golden child somehow.

4- No one is allowed to annoy you but me.

This job belongs to me and, believe me, I do it well. I became your responsibility too, not just Mom and Dad’s. I could not imagine how irritating it was staying in on a Saturday night to watch me or having to drive me wherever I wanted to go. I give you props, but I would not have traded those nights for anything. Annoying you is my specialty and it always will be.

5- I learned from your mistakes.

Of course I had to go out and learn for myself as you did, but you helped teach me right from wrong by watching the choices you made. We all make mistakes, but not only did yours help you grow, they helped me from making many mistakes.

6- Thank you for being my second closet.

It was almost like I had my own mini store in my house. All the hand-me-downs and extra clothes I could choose from made my life pretty easy, although that is all we would ever fight about. With every piece I wore, I was that much closer to being just like you, even if I left a couple of stains on a few shirts.

7- You’ve always protected me even though I’m not your child.

Even though you found ways to torture me, you would never let anyone else. You kept me safe and always put me before yourself, as if I was your own. Thank you for holding my hand and wiping away my tears when I needed you.

8- You made me a stronger individual.

Mentally and physically you gave me strength. You made me understand things and helped me get through any problem I faced. One day I will be strong enough to get you back for all the times you tormented me or gave me a swirly; just know you made me stronger every time you messed with me.

9- You make me proud.

I have watched you fail and I have watched you succeed. You always find your feet again, no matter how many times you have fallen down. I am so proud of the person you continue to develop into. Please, don’t ever change.

10- I love you is an understatement.

I wish those three simple words could explain how much you mean to me, but they just do not do it justice. Even when we do not get along, you are still the person I want to run to about everything. Thank you for being you. Having you in my life is the best thing I have ever received.