Anyone who has a sibling knows that it is a test of love, endurance, patience, and care. I am incredibly grateful that I am both blessed and cursed with my very own sibling, who is eight years older than I am. As we've grown up, my brother has taught me a few lessons (both intentionally and unintentionally) here and there that I would have otherwise had to learn on my own. Thankfully, after all these years, he hasn't given up on me (knock on wood). The following list is proof that you truly can learn something from your older sibling.
1. How to have a love-hate relationship.
Admittedly, this is the reality of most sibling-ships. When he was in second grade, my older brother took me into class for Show and Tell as a baby. That was probably the last time he willingly showed me off to the public. One day, siblings can tolerate each other; the next day, you can't seem to get far enough away from each other. Regardless, you'll never stop loving each other deep down.
2. Never ask how much a gift costs.
Our grandma bought each of her grandkids an M&M radio for Christmas one year. She was thoughtful in giving each of us our favorite color, but I wanted the green M&M because it was the only girl character of the Mars candy at the time. Upon asking Grandma how much it would cost for me to go out and buy a different colored radio, my older brother gave me my first life-lesson while standing in the middle of our grandma's driveway.
3. Just because you're not invited doesn't mean you're unloved.
Plenty of times, I watched my brother ride bikes, play street hockey, and throw a football in the yard with the kids who lived on our block. Whenever I would try to join in, it usually ended with me pouting to my mom, or playing Barbie off to the side, hoping that someone would join me. Leaving my bike halfway down the road happened once, but that's not up for discussion. However, once he was old enough to watch me, his plans did have to include me from time to time. So, when he was in charge of me, he'd find ways for me to be included and be happy, especially in the snow.
4. When a boy or a friend ditches you, create your own happiness.
My brother taught me this lesson during my first real relationship. Just because someone leaves you hanging doesn't mean your day should be wasted. Go out and show the people that try to bring you down that you're unbreakable.
5. Take care of everything you own.
Your car, your clothing, and your space. These are things that require upkeep or they'll go to waste. Reading the care tags on clothing is oftentimes important, and you should always read the instructions for using car wax. Also, just because you watch someone apply Rain-X doesn't mean you know how to use it, too.
6. An undying love for ice hockey.
Thanks to my brother's hockey journey, I can proudly say that I am both a hockey fan and a hockey sister. I've sat through nearly 100 games supporting you, our cousin, and our favorite teams. The one thing that our family can always bond over was brought into our lives because of him. I also always had a jersey to wear for jersey day that had my last name on the back, which counts as bonus "awesome brother" points. As a side note, I still haven't found a smell that can compare to that of rank hockey gear post-game.
7. Family comes first.
During the most recent talk we've had, which resulted from a poor prioritization on my part, my brother taught me something that I'd put into effect right away. He told me that college comes and will take up all of your time. Be sure to ask a family member to go our for dinner or a movie, accept offers to watch Monday Night Football or to go out for ice cream, and cherish every single moment you spend with everyone.
8. Stealing is bad, especially when you live across the hall from your victim.
Like any good younger sibling, it was my duty to snoop around his room when he wasn't home. Now that I'm older, I do see the wrongness in taking his class ring, his matchbox cars, and his Jeff Gordon ceiling fan pull. I don't blame him for never leaving his toothbrush in the bathroom, or for asking Mom and Dad to put a key lock on his bedroom door.
9. Clean up your messes.
A branch of our most recent one-on-one: leaving my crap everywhere will not fly during college. I realize that I can't leave my clothes everywhere, that I can't keep my toothbrush in the bathroom, and I will have to respect personal space.
10. It's important to laugh at yourself sometimes.
Believe me; there are plenty of stories starring Joe that make me pee a little when I recall them. A lot of them were also told by my brother to make others laugh not only at, but with him. I've learned that making people laugh can make you feel better about yourself and your mistakes, which is one life lesson that I certainly use on a daily basis.
11. Always think a situation through.
Whether he's pouring ice down an opponent's back after a game, we're accidentally backing into one another's cars, or knowing what out of each other's laundry should and shouldn't be air dried, we have both learned a thing or two about how rewarding giving a little thought to a situation can be. Thankfully, he's taught me how to also think about what a reasonable reaction to a situation is, which usually isn't crying.
12. Be yourself.
Joey, face it: You know you love me, even though I say weird things, watch nerdy shows. Although you've tried to get me to not say things like "derp" or name our girl cat "Larry." I can't help but be myself, especially around you. No matter what, you have to live with me.
13. Harry Potter is awesome.
Enough said.
14. Things won't always go as planned, and that's OK.
Let's face it; you're not in the NHL, and I am not a professional singer. We both have had numerous life goals and aspirations that have changed during the last 18 years. Even though we're probably not going to be household names, we both are turning out to be great contributing members of society, and that's all anyone in our family could really hope for, right? Amidst all the bumps in the road, you're doing great in the real world, so I hope that means that I will too.
15. No matter what, you have my back.
Remember that one time when Mom and Dad were in Atlanta and I got a concussion two days into their trip? How about two days later, when I fell down the steps at school and had to go to the hospital? You were there for me on both occurrences. How about when you poured ice down an opponent's back after a hockey game, and you ended up getting your hand smashed into one of the doors as a result? I was by your side through the whole thing, Blankie in tow. What about the time when you left your Puffy at the mall and it ended up on the prize wall at the arcade? OK, so I wasn't there for that, but it's still one of my favorite stories about you. Regardless, you've always had my back. You do everything you can to look out for me and guide me so I can enjoy my life as much as I can.
Joey, thanks for letting me bug you, for teaching me so much, and for saying "Love you, too." (Most of the time.) You're a great brother and a great person.
P.S. I still have some of those Matchbox cars.
