When the whole world seems against me, I know my brother is always on my side- mostly because he has to be. Siblings are just built in friends, and I ended up with the best. Though this list only scratches the surface, here are 10 things I wouldn't have if it weren't for my big brother. (P.S. Happy 23rd Birthday!)
1. My knowledge of ice hockey
Really any sports knowledge I possess has come from you, but you’ve been playing ice hockey since I was 1-year-old. That means since before I can even remember, I’ve been sitting in the bleachers of hockey rinks pretending/watching you win. Not only did I mostly pick up how the game goes over my last 18 years, but I also watched you excel at it, along with most other things you tried. It was with great pride that I used to tell my friends, “my brother plays college hockey.”
2. Trips all over the country
Your love of hockey came with some perks. While most fourth grade girls spent their weekends playing with neighborhood friends, I spent mine traveling to Tennessee, New York, or Canada. I’d be forced to become best friends with other hockey siblings, and that forced me to adapt.
3. My taste in music
When we’re in the car together listening to your music, I ask you for the song title every few minutes. Thank you for expanding my musical horizons past the Top 40, but still supporting the occasional Taylor Swift.
4. An auxiliary closet
You moving across the country after college graduation has provided me with double the closet space, and for that I am so grateful.
5. My college choices
Because of you, I started touring colleges when I was in sixth grade. Eight out of the eleven colleges I applied to were schools I had originally toured with you. You also led the way and taught me that it was okay to leave the state and find uncharted territory for college. I would most likely not be attending my dream school now if it weren’t for you. I always sought your approval, and if you hadn’t loved UNC, I might not feel that way either.
6. The time I conquered the monkey bars
You were the one who walked to the park with me and stood beneath me while I held on for dear life and my little legs swung back and forth. Monkey bars are a critical life skill, obviously, so thank you for making sure I had that one on my resume.
7. My knowledge of every episode of Seinfeld and The Office
We spent countless summers home alone watching Seinfeld and The Office marathons. We’ve seen AND own every season of both shows, and are well versed in quoting both. Thank you for making me a slightly funnier person.
8. The chance to do everything second
Being the baby in the family isn’t always fun- especially the last 5 years without you. However, you don’t know how much I appreciate having a guinea pig sibling who can try everything first and give me advice on how to do things better.
9. Countless tears and impossible plane rides home
It’s not easy living on the east coast while my big brother lives in Texas. I can vividly remember sitting in the back seat with you on the way to the airport to fly you back to school, and ugly-crying while looking out of the window as I fly back home from visiting you. Thanks for that.
10. My sanity
There always were, and definitely still are, times I wouldn’t have been able to keep my sanity without your guidance and advice. You’re usually the first one I tell about good news, and I always get your advice on how to break the bad news to mom and dad. You always stick up for me, no matter who it’s against, which has made me incredibly grateful to have you on my team. The great thing about great siblings is that they’re always stuck with you. I loved growing up with you and I can’t wait for my children (many years from now) to grow up knowing their “cool Uncle Chris.” I love being your little sister.
