An open letter to my little brother

Noah,
You can do anything you want and you know it.
Because you’re clever, because you’re quick, and because you’re strong.
I’m so proud of you for being those things.
Society tells us that men should be strong, and that little boys should strive to be strong too.
I want you to know that you are already strong.    Every time you get upset, you are strong. Every time you feel scared, you are brave.
You are strong when you’re angry, you are strong when you’re anxious. Every time you cry, you are strong.
I want you to know that everybody feels. We feel happiness and we feel hurt. What makes us strong is acknowledging what we feel, and knowing that it’s okay. Knowing that to feel makes us human. It is how we know we are alive. 
I want you to understand that boys, and men, cry. Your friends cry. Your cousins cry. Your Dad cries.
You can do anything you want, and you know it. Because you’re kind, because you’re generous and because you are gentle.
Because you treat people the way you would like to be treated.
I want you to always hold girls, and women, in the highest regard and not just the prettiest ones. Listen to them, respect them, open doors for them. I want you to be the nice guy, I expect nothing less.
Be there for your friends. Just like you, they have feelings, they get overwhelmed by the world. Boys don’t always have to harden up.
Protect your baby sister. Teach her about the world - a small step for you looks like a big leap to her. Be the example of how boys treat girls.
Look after your mum, it's the most important job you will never have. You are growing up too quick for her.  Slow down. Take the time to tell her you love her, give her a cuddle, and then carry on.
Never forget that the minute you were born, you became Dad’s best friend. While you will make new friends, year after year, you are probably the last best friend he will have.  Don’t forget about him. Remember that there was a time that you were begging him to play with you , and while you’re out with your mates, he will be missing you.
I want you to know that gestures are like magic. That doing something for someone else will bring you all kinds of peace, and that you can’t put a price on happiness.
Sometimes I am far way, but I will never be too far away to help you if you need.
I want you to know that it’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay now, it will be okay when you’re 20, and even when you’re 40.  Just like I know you would drop anything to help someone else, there will always be someone here ready to help you.
Noah,
You can do anything you want and you know it. Because you care, because you help, and because you are strong