This past weekend, I went on a trip home, to surprise my brother for his birthday. On this trip, I was reminded of how wonderful family is and how great it is to see them. I spent the weekend savoring time with my family -- immediate and extended. All the while, I kept the fact that I had to write an Odyssey article in the back of my mind. After many failed attempts at coming up with ideas, I turned to others for suggestions. Eventually I asked my brother what I should write about, and he said himself. As a joke. I said "OK, what about you?" and like the little brother he is, he said, "how perfect I am." So, here we go!
Like many brother-sister duos, we love to fight, bicker, and debate (much to the dismay of my mom). Nonetheless, we have the greatest relationship, and I am so appreciative of it. Here's why having a younger brother is the best (and mine specifically):
1. He's your best friend. They are there for you and are always home when you get home. They listen, give advice, and will cuddle with you… sometimes they're even willing to ditch their girlfriends for you.
2. He's your automatic scapegoat -- and sometimes lets it slide. Sure, there are the times they're tired of being yelled at for doing something their older sibling did, but if need be, they'll protect you.
3. He gives the best hugs. Even if your younger brother gives terrible hugs, they're willing to hang on for however long you need, because he loves you.
4. He works with you to annoy your parents. Now granted, this is sometimes an accident, but you both have fun doing it! Sometimes you have to just get all of your pent up energy out.
5. If you don't know what friend to talk to, or don't want it to get back to anyone, you can always trust your little brother to listen. He'll hear you rant, tell you it'll be OK, and take your mind off it.
6. Him asking for advice or wanting to talk is one of the most rewarding things. I would leave any function I'm at, to talk to my little brother and help him out. It's flattering and it's just an honorary duty that comes with having a little brother.
7. Watching him grow up is insane. I wish I were there to see more of it, and less at college, because it seems each time I come home he is more mature and ages older. I am constantly impressed by his growth and by what a good guy he is (sorry O, I know you don't like cheesy things).
8. It's easy to be proud. He makes you so proud every day, whether it's you being proud of him achieving a progress goal or overcoming an obstacle, you're constantly impressed by how he handles things.
Anyway, there you have it. My little brother is my favorite. I can honestly say that one of my favorite nights of my life was the one when we stayed up late and decided to be closer. We decided to make a pact to be best friends, and since then our relationship has grown and blossomed exponentially. Love you, little brother!
