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A Letter To My Brothers

Some things I wanted to say this weekend but never got the chance.

Emily McElveen
Sep 16, 2014
College of Charleston
25
A Letter To My Brothers
Photo courtesy of William McElveen

For anyone who's grown up with siblings, you know that sometimes we forget to tell them how much we love them and how much they mean to us. 

This past weekend was one of those times for me. It was a rare occasion that I got to see both of my brothers during the school year. We were all home for the weekend since Zachary was on leave pre-deployment. With all of the craziness around the house, especially after the last couple of insane weeks at school, it was exhausting, and I'll admit there were times when I just wanted to jump in the car and come back here for a venting session with my roommate. But when the time came to leave I only wanted to stay. Knowing I wouldn't see Zachary again until next year and hugging seven year old Ethan goodbye made it so that inevitably it was all I could think about on the drive home. Here are some things I wish I had said to them before I left. 

Zachary,

I am so proud of you, and we all are. Over the last two years I have seen a huge change in you and I don't know if you realize it. You are smart and confident and have so many great things ahead of you, whatever you set your mind to. You've excelled in the Army and I have no doubt you could excel in anything else you choose afterward. 

Ethan,

You won't understand what I mean by this just yet, but in a few more years it will be completely clear. Please don't grow up too fast. To me it feels like the few years from when I could easily pick you up and you were asking what every thing was have gone by in the blink of an eye. Now you're in the second grade and before I know it you're going to be taller than me and graduating high school. Enjoy being a little kid, play baseball, master the guitar, keep learning to cook. Do well in school and work hard, but most of all please don't ever stop being a complete goofball. You are a sweet, happy, intelligent kid and I'm lucky I get to watch you grow up. 

To both of you,

I love you both very much and would not ask for anyone else to call my siblings, as much as we all might get on each other's nerves. 

Love,

Your Sister

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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