Today Maxwell is 18

Um, what?

Dear Maxwell Edison,

Today the U.S. government recognizes you as an adult. This is very strange for me, your big sister, but I think it will be okay. Maybe even awesome. I'm really glad you were born, you know. You are one of only two people who properly appreciates Andrew McMahon's music, the joys of Converse, and how funny Sleeping with the Enemy truly is. You have a love for grammar & socially acceptable behavior that rivals my own. When I was in Paris over the summer, I fully stalked some guy & took his picture over ten times because he looked just like you. Noah didn't understand & found me to be offensive, but I needed you to see that you had a clone in France. I love that we have matching Weezer shirts & that you rode in the back of the U-Haul when I moved. Sometimes I can't believe how awesome we are.

Hi, it's French Max.

Ok, maybe not so much in the face/teeth.

Awkward.

The past year or so you've grown up so much. Seeing you orchestrate LARP events and observing how you resolve conflicts and manage people has really opened my eyes to how much you've matured. Also, the past couple months have been the first time ever that you've had a job & I haven't. I am such a slacker. I saw you at work for the first time on Halloween &, even though your nametag said "Dragon" and you were wearing a medieval robe, you looked like such an adult. It's hard to figure out where all the time went.

Despite your new "legal" status, you will always, always be my little brother. What that means is that I will always keep your secrets, clean up your messes, and fix your problems. I want to tell you how much I like our relationship. It's the only one in my life that is so incredibly easy. There are no obligations and no expectations. If Sibling A has not heard from Sibling B in approximately 2.5 weeks, then Sibling A texts some obscure Friends/HIMYM/Scrubs reference to Sibling B and goes on with his or her day, simple. We've got this figured out.

Your sister,

Arls J. Higgamore

P.S. At some point we're going to have to discuss the origins of this photo. Seriously.