A lot has changed since the days of bringing in your newborn little brother into your preschool classroom for show and tell, having him follow your lead, and serving as his personal chauffeur. The truth is, seeing you grow, little bro, has been one of the most amazing things to witness, bringing me so much pride and joy... even if I am shorter than you now.
1. Never did you ever imagine he'd be driving you all around town
Danielle Fowler
Who would've thought the kid who you picked up from school, dropped off at friends' house, and chauferred to sports practices would be the one behind the wheel dropping YOU off because he needs the car? In your mind, he still should be young enough to have a car seat, because since when was he 17.
2. Or that "shotgun" rules would disappear because his legs are way longer than yours and needs the extra space in the front seat
The front seat is simply no longer yours anymore. I mean, you could fight over it, but that would be a fight, even more so than the ones you used to have as kids fighting over shotgun. Back then, you knew that birth order always supported your victories, but now, anatomy has its way of ruining everything. Your tall, long legged little brother wins every single time.
3. His voice isn't squeaky like it used to be and facial hair is more than an attempted five o'clock shadow
Remember the high pitched voice and the first sprouts of facial hair that really looked like pine needles pasted on his face? That is simply no longer. No more post-it notes on his placemats that say "shave today" - this has become routine nowadays. The deep voice and ability to grow more than a few hairs is a true sign that this little guy has indeed grown up.
4. Sisters - even your highest pair of heels probably won't make you taller than him
Queens of wedges and high heels - good luck ever measuring up to your little bro ever again. Your tallest pairs will probably never make you taller than him again. At this point, just invest in some stilts.
5. Older brothers - you are probably even in height now, if he hasn't surpassed you yet
That age gap doesn't show as much on the outside anymore, now does it?
6. You never thought he'd be able to serve as your bodyguard, but that size and stature and good heart make a hell of a defense
You've always been the one to protect him, to defend him from the potential threats or bullies or outside harm that came into view. In the past, there was not much he could do to reciprocate your actions. But now, oh how the tables have turned. Your age difference is nothing; if you were in trouble or dire need of saving, you know your little brother would be there in a heartbeat, and absolutely put up a fight.
7. Even so, you find yourself looking up to him in more ways than one
Instead of him looking up to his older siblings for life lessons, you find yourself admiring him for his character, his decisions, and his big heart. You are no longer the sole teacher; you find yourself learning from him each and every day as he develops into a young adult. That's the beautiful thing, you see, that there is now reciprocal knowledge that allows each of you to learn more about the world you are living in and the people you want to be.
