And now, I must say farewell to my elder brother and one of my best friends as we see him off to his first year of college.

We have had quite a few laughs and some fun times such as Scout Camp and Camp Helamen along with this past year's Fifty Mile Hike. You encouraged me so much and I think that without you being on the hike with me by my side (even with Colton's singing and motivation in the background), I would have bailed on the second day and I would have seriously regretted that. But because I realized that you were there, I stuck with it. I think I can fairly say that it would have been no fun if you weren't there.

You've helped me be enthusiastic about scouts and school by preparing me for what may happen and even encouraging me to stick with classes- that it would benefit me significantly. And they did.

You have helped me more than you know, by just being the kind, loving person that you are. It is impossible to not feel that care you have for everyone and I would not be the person that I am if you had not been in our family.

I apologize if my attitude has never been positive to heed your advice or was grumpy because I was so arrogant to the fact that you did love and care. I can recall a few instances and now I realize how stupid I was. I regret it severely.

But of course, now we must part and I pray that the Lord shall watch over you while you embark on your first year of college. It will be very strange not having your presence in our home. But I guess this is the first step of what the future is to bring.

I love you, of course. See you at Christmas. :-)