My brother is one of the most amazing people I’ve ever known. I definitely don’t tell him this enough, but for how often I think of him and what he’s taught me, I really should. There’s always a big hype about big brother-little sister relationships, but I think there is something really special about being a girl who gets to grow up with a younger brother. As your birthday comes around, I want you to know the reasons I’m so proud of you, why I love you, and how much you’ve taught me.
1. You are a brother to everyone.
You’re a typical boy in the fact that you’ve always loved your sports. Growing up watching you play baseball was always a blast, but my favorite part was watching you be a part of the team. You always cheered the loudest, cheered for everyone, and played for the team. You’ve carried that throughout your life in everything you do. From your fourth-grade baseball team to your senior-year football team, you’ve become a true brother to hundreds of people and act that way towards each and every one.
2. You’re not afraid of being sensitive.
That’s something that most boys and men cannot say. There is such an importance placed on men being strong and not showing feelings, but you are not fazed by that. Don’t get me wrong, you are strong. In a way, your strength comes from your ability to be sensitive. You aren’t afraid to say when you’re sad or when you could use a hug. I think that’s amazing and something that everyone, girls included, can learn from.
3. You are one of the most passionate people I’ve met.
I’ve never seen someone put their heart and soul into something they love like you do. When you find something you love, whether it be a sport, working out, playing basketball for fun, or a class you’re fascinated by, you put all of your energy into that. You talk with such enthusiasm and excitement when you find something you love in a way that makes everyone else want to love it too.
4. You are constantly encouraging.
Whenever I’m feeling down, I think about you and what you would say to me. There have been so many times when I have felt like I can't do something, and I just think about how you’d challenge me until I realized I could. One of my favorite things about you is your positivity and how you don’t acknowledge boundaries as stopping points. You’ve told me so many times that I can do it and that I shouldn't let anything stop me. You believe in following dreams, and that’s important.
5. You have honest intentions.
It’s so nice to see someone who’s intentions are typically very selfless and honest, like yours. In a world where people are sometimes dishonest, only in something for themselves, or just mean, it’s nice to remember that there are people like you. Thank you for that.
Thank you for being one of my first best friends and continuing to be one of my best friends to this day. I love watching you grow up and take the steps I’ve taken with your own force and passion. You are one of the funniest people I know, and I always have a smile on my face when you’re around. I only hope that I’ve taught you a fraction of what you continue to teach me. I am so happy and lucky to have you as a brother, and only hope you know how much we all love you. Happy Birthday, Richard.
