My Dearest Baby Brother,
When did you grow up so fast? Last I remember, you were wearing diapers and pretending to be my pet puppy. But, now, you are a freshman in high school and basketball is your new thing! In celebration of the new chapter in your life -- in our lives, I have a little something to say to you:
You may not know this, but you are the BIGGEST blessing of my life. From the moment I held you in my arms, I knew you were special. When I gazed into your eyes for the very first time, I saw compassion. When you mumbled your first full sentence, I heard honesty. And when I stupidly initiated our first serious fight, I experienced forgiveness.
Over the past fourteen years, many things have changed. However, compassion still resides in the sanctuary of your eyes. Honesty, is still the most fluent language your tongue speaks. And your ability to forgive and to forget, and to love and let love, still radiates through every decision you make.
You, my little champ, are my favorite superhero. You are the reason why I work so hard every single day. You are the reason why I want to strive for greatness. You are my inspiration.
Before every decision I make, I think of you. I ask myself, "What kind of a role model would I be?", "What kind of a role model do I want to be?" You see, the thing is, being the "Akka" (big sister) of someone as special as you is not only an honor -- it is also a responsibility that I must live up to. That is why it is so important for me to be the best version of me.
Over the past fourteen years, I have noticed something extraordinary about you. I have noticed something that differentiates you from everyone else -- you are not afraid to be yourself. You embrace yourself for who you are. And guess what? That's what makes you so special.
So, on that note, I need you to promise me something. I made some of the best memories of my life in high school. However, at the same time, I made some of the worst memories during that time period as well. Though I met some amazing people, I also met people who tried to bring me down. And unfortunately, the reality is that the same thing may happen to you. Peer pressure will become your worst enemy. And will power, will become your best friend. Regardless of what people say to you, or do to you, you need to remember to stay true to yourself. You need to remember that nobody can change you unless you let them. So regardless of how hard it may be, remember that you are amazing just the way you are and that I, as your big sister, will always, always be there for you. You are MY baby brother. And MY baby brother is kind, compassionate, forgiving and honest. Never forget that.
In summary, what I'm trying to say is that, my sweet, sweet, lil monster, I love you. Thank you for being my baby brother. Thank you for inspiring me to always be a better version of me. Thank you. I want you to always remember that I am so proud of you and that I am so honored and so proud to be your Akka. And though you may not know it, you are the biggest blessing of my life.
Buckets of Love,
Your Akka
