Very few people have the ability to pin point the exact moment in which their lives will be changed for the good. However, my life changed on July 5, 2000 at approximately 7:05 A.M. That morning my little brother was born and my life was never going to be the same again. As I prepared for the big sister role many people will tell me that I will be his first role model and he will learn for me. Although, I hope I have been a great example to him and he is constantly learning from me the fact is I have probably learned way more from him.
1.) To Forgive
I have never been apart of an argument more serious than the ones I have with my brother almost everyday, yet I have also never been apart of an argument in where I forgive them instantaneously. Whether it be around the dinner table or who mom loves more the tightest are serious but the forgiveness is probably the biggest lesson. To say "I'm sorry" to say "I love you" and to give each other a big hug.
2.) How to have someones back
When you have a younger brother you realize that no one will understand how strict your parents are besides each other. Therefore, when your brother has an issue and doesn't want your parents to find it is time for you to step in and solve the problem on the down low. This becomes even more prominent when both of you could get in trouble like when the data overage bill text comes in and its time to figure out who will take the blame.
3.) To love sports
I would probably have lived in a black hole where I was oblivious to wonder of sports. From learning to love baseball because my little brother played or watching football because I lost the fight over the remote control. Even basketball, once the basketball hoop was installed in the backyard I suddenly learned to perfect my free through. It also gives me something to remove the awkwardness when meeting someone for the first time.
4.) Being different is ok
If I were to tell you that my brother and I were normal, I would be lying to you. We are each weird in our own way, we listen to the worse music possible when we are together. Have fun driving around in my car for hours and laugh at the dumbest jokes ever written but he accepts me and I accept him. He has taught me if someone else is not ok with my weirdness as he is then they do not deserve to have me when I am acting normal.
5.) Make it a point to stay young at heart
Often times I get caught up in growing up and forget the magic that comes from being little again and my brother reminds me of that. One of my greatest memories with him was dressing up as pirates, blasting music, and chasing each other around the house jumping over furniture dialing it out with our pirate swords. The great thing is that memory was not greater when we were five but just a few weeks ago.
6.) Listen to people even when you think you know more
It is often hard to open up to an idea when you feel like you know more than the person telling you the idea. Yet, after not listening to my little brother because I knew all the answers it turns out he might be right about something.Everyone knows about something different so always listen
7.) How to be a best friend
My brother is my best friend no matter who comes in to my life. He know all my stories, he tells me like it is, and he looks out for me. When no one else wants to go out I can call him up and be guaranteed a date for the night. We can sit and talk about the deep things and not worry about our secrets being spilled while we are in a fight.
8.) Being proud of others success
It is often times hard to be happy for others when they are doing things you never could but with my brother he has taught me something completely different. Instead of being bad that he has a later curfew than I ever had, gets straight As in school, got his drivers license on his birthday I am so proud of him. I want to be with him through these moments and celebrate them. After are all he is a better, faster, smatter version of me.
9.) What I want in a husband
The most important lesson he has taught me is to make me aware of what I want in my future husband. What I want is someone like my brother. My brother is the best example of a man I know he is physically strong but emotionally sensitive. He is a romantic but respects girls. He stands up for what he believes in and jokes with everyone. My brother is my brother and there is nothing better than him.
