Dear Baby Brother,

Dear baby brother,

Today, you'll pack up your car and head to school to start a new chapter of your life.

It's not fair, really, how fast you grew up. I remember how excited I was when I got to hold you for the first time. The doctors suited me up like I was one of them, and I was so excited to meet you!

Despite our age gap, we became so close, so quickly. I wanted to protect you. I may have only just turned 6, but I knew that I would do anything for you at that young age.

I don't remember us having one of those relationships where we fought much. Sure, we had our days, but who didn't? I always remember being so excited when we got to spend time together.

Which still holds true to this day, by the way.

I remember the first time we moved, and we both had to go to a different school. I remember sitting in Nanny and Buddy's bedroom upstairs as I reminded you everything would be alright and that one day, you wouldn't even remember the anxiety you felt before that first day. You'd make fast friends, because you were such an awesome kid. That's exactly what happened.

Fast forward a few years and you moved back to your old school. You picked up right where you left off. Entering high school as a Freshman, drumsticks in hand, and deciding to give band class a try.

You were a natural. The whole family would come to your concert nights and leave feeling inspired. You were growing in your talents SO quickly!

It's been so fun to do life together and to be there for each other through literally everything. The worst of the worst and the best of the best.

You were there after Caleb and I got engaged on the beach...

and you were there to watch me say I do...

I've watched you grow up and get your license...

I've watched dozens of concerts you've participated in...

I've watched you lead your school as the Captain through the streets of Downtown celebrating our city...

I've watched you get ready for your first Prom...

We've been on countless vacations together... staying up way too late paying video games and eating as many crab legs as we could...

I even watched as you gave our Dad the sweetest best man speech...

Getting to watch you walk across that stage to receive your diploma was also one of the coolest things ever.

But I think my favorite part of all your life has been watching you grow in your relationship with The Lord.

Brandon, when this world fails you (and it will), remember to stay strong, and push forward. My prayer for you is that you would hang on when things get tough. Pray every single day. Give thanks for the little things like hot water, a car to drive, and food every morning. Be the guy who introduces himself to the kid who looks lonely. Pay it forward. Write letters just because. Study hard. Make memories. BE YOU! Because truly, you're amazing.

I write this with a lump in my throat because you're officially old enough to be on your own. It scares me a little, but I'm so excited for you. Brandon you have SO much ahead of you and I pray that you remember you potential every single day. Always know that Caleb and I are here for you, no matter what.

We're so thrilled for you! Enjoy this new adventure, and have fun, because it'll go by fast! I can promise you that.

I love you more than you know, Bran!

Kayla