Brotherhood outshines all relationships I have ever had in my life. Holding hands as tykes quickly transitioned into physical altercations as teens. Fortunately, being brothers always brings me back to a hug with you I would not give up for anything in this world, even though my awkward nature despises these acts of affection. The following material is testament we will always have each other and my admiration for you has become endless.
In life, relationships we have with others come and go. The individuals we call our girlfriends, buddies, teachers, coaches, etc. throw in the towel too soon and give up. Although my hope for you hesitated, a recent development halted any concern I may have acquired throughout the years. With that said, my hope for you and our brotherhood is eternal.
Although we are separated by hundreds of miles, my memories keep me close to you, and remind me to be humble and thankful to have you.
In our youngest years, we did everything together. For example, being on a sports team was nothing less than an opportunity to be with my blue-eyed, blonde haired baby brother. I was always bigger than you, and played more positions. Regardless, nothing pleased me more than sharing a court or field with my Irish twin. Yes, I trusted the teammates we had together, but there is something invigorating about having your blood next to you in a sport. I almost felt impervious to all opponents’ challenges. Before you were born, those thirteen months would prove to be a debilitating characteristic of our lives. Going to high school or college a year before you or being on a sports team without my number one confidant never felt right.
Separating from each other was nothing less than an inevitability we had to face. Our friend groups changed. Our homes changed. Veering off in separate directions—we both would later look at with shock—we had no idea how one another ended up in those most unfortunate positions. The unusual tunnels we entered nearly destroyed any chance of finding the lit exit. I could not see my own hand, and more importantly, I could not see you. A darkness created by immaturity and overall recklessness made us disregard our boundless capabilities.
These metaphorical tunnels certainly had different distances. Eventually, I saw the flickering light, and vigorously sprinted toward it. My departure to a distant college brought me enlightenment. I acquired a taste for the world. Classes talking about diversity, morals, and life itself drew me in. The universe we live in had become a little clearer to myself. I also developed a work ethic two surgeries, a wheelchair, and crutches could not combat. The light shined on me and brought out something I never knew was there. Regrettably, I had forgotten you were lost in a familiar obscurity.
Your absence created concern and sadness. I knew the position and hardships of being lost. As a result, the shadows engulfed you, but it's times like those where a person proves to the world who they really are. Consequently, I stood eagerly waiting at the end of your tunnel. It was frustrating and worrisome. The moment was characterized by anticipating a conclusion, either filled with absolute distress and letdown or elated joy. This is the staggered hope I spoke of earlier. An individual vulnerable to their own darkness chooses to resist and righteously triumph, or they choose to be eviscerated by their own vices and self-pity. Fortunately, you lunged forward into a dubious light.
Joining the military must have been a scary moment, but you put faith in yourself, which would ultimately bring us back together. As I said before, I impatiently waited at the end of the tunnel to get a glimpse of the brother I had lost years ago. The day of your graduation, collections of well-postured individuals jogged across pavement in perfectly orchestrated sequence. Nevertheless, I hastily scanned for that blonde head. “Finally!” I thought, and without any other words, I began to cry. I cannot verbalize why that happened to this day. It was as inherent as the genes we share. For this to be the first cry of joy in my life, I can say you are a person of great importance to me. That is what brotherhood is about though. No length of writing can succinctly describe the deeply ingrained emotions brothers share for each other, or the lengths we are willing to go for one another.
I am brought back to the level of contentment and bliss I experienced as a child. You are held in the highest regard in my books.
Have integrity and conviction. Stay courageous and excellent. My hope shall never stagger again. You are a great man and an even better brother.
I love you.
