It's that time of year again. I've sat in my room surrounded by all of my earthly possessions, trying to place them into boxes so I can move back to school in the next coming week. Going back to school is always bittersweet. I love being in school and I love learning. I love the freedom of being on my own and the responsibility of taking care of myself. I do well on my own. However, on the flip side, I constantly miss my family, and none more so than my dearest brother.

My brother and I were not always the closest creatures. I was an irritable teenager and he was a tender-hearted youngster who would do anything in the world for his sissy. As we have grown in age, though, we have grown closer. I could not imagine my life without my dear brother by my side to annoy me every day. I think this truly came along before I moved to college in the first place. I guess distance does make the heart grow fonder.

I guess I'm a lucky one, though. I hear so many stories of people not getting along with their siblings. Stories of people who hate their siblings. People who haven't seen their siblings in years by choice or otherwise. Truthfully, I pity those people. A brother or sister is truly a gift. Your siblings are the only people who know you as well as you know yourself. They're the only people who know your deepest secrets and the type of crazy your family is during the holidays.

Don't get me wrong, back in the day my brother and I had our moments, but now we're peaceful. Even as I write this, I'm sat on his bed, borrowing his computer, as he plays video games. There's a comfortable lull of music in the room and not a word has been spoken for fifteen minutes. I spend a lot of time wondering how people go without the solace of a brother or sister.

I thank the universe every day for my brother. I tell him regularly that I have no idea what I would do without him. He is my rock when life becomes hectic. He is the person whom I share all my secrets. He is the kid who simultaneously annoys me and makes me laugh in the same breath.

I hope everyone can find it in their hearts to reach out and give their siblings a hug. Send them a text and tell them you are thinking of them. If all, at least hope for their well-being if something has truly driven you two apart. I know I am lucky to have such an extraordinary brother, I just wish the same for everyone else.