The day you were born was one of the most exciting days of my life to that date. I was waiting as patiently as an eight-year-old could have waited for you, eager to meet and know and love the little cousin I could call mine.
I remember holding you for the first time, feeling excited to finally have you on this side of the earth, excited for all of the times ahead together that I was dreaming up in my mind. That excitement has never faded over the years of your life. I still get excited to see you. I still feel a swelling of joy and pride when I see you and think about you.
You've been a source of light and mischief and brilliance since the day you were born, and to watch you grow up and figure out this thing we call life has been a great honor of my life. Just the way you've been the best little cousin to me, I know you'll be the best big cousin to some little cousins one day, and I can't wait to keep watching the way you choose to live your life. Watching you find your words and your voice and your way makes me proud - so, so proud - and I'll forever be the most proud of you, forever be in your corner rooting you on and propping you up when needed. I'll forever be protective of you, knowing that you deserve the world, and hoping that you always know that too. And should you ever forget it, for whatever reason, I'll always be here to kick the ass of whomever or whatever made you forget your worth and your beauty and your courage, and then I'll straighten that crown atop your head and fasten it back in place, right where it belongs.
Thank you & I love you, so so so much.