Brennan David.

Like most of you know, I come from a family of 4. My dad, my mom, me, and my little brother. Just us, me and Brennan, all we've ever known. Well lately he's not so little...he towers over me by a good 4 inches, he's almost 18, and does all the things I do..has experienced life and love and heartache and growing up. It honestly breaks my heart and I can't even imagine what my parents are going through since he's the baby. I'm not sure why, I know getting older is just a simple part of life but it can't be happening this fast; not to MY baby brother. Anywho, I'm writing this to say: he leaves for Marine Corps boot camp in one week. Shipped to San Diego with a bible, $20, and the clothes on his back. Unable to look back, unable to back out. (Not that he would, but it's bigboy commitment time now!) I'm so proud I could pop, but at the same time who wants someone screaming at their sibling while they have ZERO contact with the outside world for 12 whole weeks? No one, especially not me. It's just really hard. So, here's all the things I've wanted to and should've said the past 17+ years...

Brennan, Lloyd, Bubba, Brodder -
I am so proud of you. The brother, son, friend, and man that you have become. Without being overly cliche, I remember the day you were born. I was so excited about my brother, and dad took me to The Nelson's to stay the night while they went to the hospital and I had to sleep with Benita because I couldn't sleep I was so anxious. I wanted to be a big sister more than anything and to this day that hasn't changed. I wouldn't change or trade anything about you or anything that you've been through. You have this ability to make me laugh about everything..mom being overly protective and sensitive, dad's hilarious humor..inside jokes..family dinners..you name it, it's funny to us. That is something I don't have with anyone else in the world and I am so thankful we do. We share the same sensitive and caring heart..you hurt when others hurt and that's something great you possess. And although you have a temper, God love you, we rarely find things to argue about. We never have really fought about anything and I would fight to the death for you..have your back on anything..and I know you would for me too. I love how opinionated you are, how you stand firm in your beliefs. How educated you are on the things you're most passionate about and how the more you get older, the more you're like daddy. You're so handsome and funny and I know that people always have a good time when they are around you. Most girls always want sisters or have brothers and still wish for sisters because girls can gossip and share clothes and all that..but not me. I'm so thankful that you're my BROTHER and that we're so close. I feel like I know so much about you and I hope you know that you can come to me anytime, day or night, with ANYTHING at all, I am here for you unconditionally. Like mom and dad have always told us, there is nothing you could do to make me love you any less. You are my whole world, Brennan, and even though you're 3 years younger than me, I look up to you more than you know. You're about to embark on a crazy and fulfilling journey and your family and friends could not be more excited and proud of you. YOU CAN DO THIS. Always remember to breathe and pray and remember, "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me." God promises that if you have faith even the size of a mustard seed, you can move mountains. I pray for you very often, and you have been such a good example of a Godly young man. Always remember that Jesus is the way to go and He will always provide if you're living for Him. I know it is not always the most fun and the bible says that you will be tried as a Christian, but it is ALWAYS worth it and your rewards in heaven will be great. So promise me that you will do your best, that's all I ask. I am so excited that you'll be apart of something so great. You are my hero. It takes a very special person to sacrifice civilian life to serve and protect our freedoms. You will never know the impact you are making on people and how much people look up to you for this choice that you are making, and although I am so sad that you'll be so far away and I won't be able to text you something funny on a whim, I know you are doing something SO good and that you're having a blast and succeeding more than you ever dreamt. What you are capable of with that stubborn head of yours in unending and I know you will do so great and if no one else ever has faith in you, you can count on your big sister to be your biggest fan, no matter what. Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Period. You are amazing, Brennan, and you rock. I have THE coolest brother in the world and I'm so happy for this journey you're about to start. You will do great and it will fly by! You will be so happy for what you have accomplished come May, and you know we will be at your graduation with tears and signs and I'm sure dad will want to "paint his face" just like he always says he'll do, but never does. You are in soo many peoples' prayers and thoughts and with God, you will get through this with flying colors. You are turning into someone so worthy of respect and honor and love. You have been through a lot but have continued to make great decisions and I wouldn't trade any of our memories and time spent together for all the money in the world. We have been through a lot together and I wouldn't have wanted to go through it with anyone else. I'll never forget the times you sneaking into my room well after midnight to sleep on my trundle and talk about life, late night runs to taco bell, hanging out with Korby, watching Daddy Daycare, all those times were so special to me and although we're getting older and moving on in life and everything, know I'll always be a phonecall and a movie away..always. I'm never too old or too busy for my baby brother. And yep, you'll always be a baby to me. Sorry. :) I love you more than you'll ever know. You have a HUGE part of my heart that NO ONE will ever be able to replace and I don't know what I would do without you. Good luck and have fun, always remember where you came from and don't compromise. Remember how much God loves you and how He will never leave you or forsake you. Semper Fi, little brother. I'm gonna miss you so much.

All the love my heart can hold,
Bailey