Growing up with two brothers, there was never a quiet moment in my childhood. And when there was, you knew something was up right away. I have always been the only girl in my crazy family and I am perfectly OK with that. Even though when I was five years old I begged for my mom to replace “my stupid little brother” with a sister, I am actually thankful the stork dropped off a boy and not a girl.
I feel like everyone deserves an older brother like mine. Not only is he someone I am able to look up to and follow in his steps, he is also one of my closest friends. I was blessed with a brother who kept quiet and left the backdoor open when I would sneak out at night, made dumb inside jokes with me and let me hang out with his friends when I was bored. Even today he is one of the first people I text when something eventful happens in life. A memorable part of high school was driving with him to school, listening to all our stupid music together and him updating me on all the upperclassmen, even if he did make me late to school on a daily basis.
My other brother, on the other hand, is a whole new story. Although attending his athletic events over the years was not my favorite Saturday outing, I was still proud to yell, “That’s my little brother!” when he would accomplish a touchdown or goal. I cannot say he and I have been the closest over the years, being a few more years apart, but it is the best thing to watch our relationship grow. I had always been that “mean” older sister in his eyes, but who else is supposed to put him in his place and be the protective one?
My brothers have shaped me into the person that I am today. Today, I can walk up to any guy without an issue because I know how to talk to them, it’s natural habitat for me. I have a backbone and know how to defend myself. I mean, I didn’t get into physical fights with the boys for nothing, right? One of the best parts is that I also get an honest opinion on the guys I date and their impressions of them. And although I had no sister to teach me how to put on makeup or straighten my hair, fortunately, I had my awesome mom and YouTube. Besides, it makes my sorority sisters that much sweeter.
Life with two brothers is full of constant weirdness, laughter and comradery. Even though I can never say I had a sister to be dramatic with, that makes me being the only girl all the better. I was allowed to strive to be the center of attention and not have to compete with another girl for it. To go on shopping days with my mom, just the two of us, and to be the only little girl to receive Valentine's Day gifts every year from my dad. To have the biggest closet out of all the bedrooms and to be the only one who got a special trip to the American Girl Doll store.
I will be forever grateful that I have two best friends that I am able to take on life with. The world would not be the same without them. I cannot wait for the hilarious, loud and best memories to come.
