I have had many friends throughout my life. Many have come and gone but there is one who has been there from the very first moment who remains today. My brother, Jake.
My parents were avid home videographers when I was young. Sometimes, I go back and watch the tapes and I can see the path of my childhood being laid out before my eyes. I found a tape labeled “Sarah’s First Moments: January 16, 1999.” It shows Jake, only five years old at the time, holding me for the first time, being very gentle, just as my mother instructed. Little did either of us know then, it was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
In another box of assorted tapes, I found one labeled “Brother/Sister Fun in the Snow: February 18, 2001.” The small camcorder screen displayed our front lawn, blanketed in snow, a young boy pulling a sled, and a little girl, bundled in a huge coat, giggling uncontrollably. Another one titled “Sarah Plays PlayStation: July 23, 2005” shows Jake and I playing videogames together. My face is painted with a huge smile, being convinced by my brother that I am winning when, in reality, my controller isn't even plugged in.
As the years passed by, the camcorder tapes turned to cell phone pictures, and the little kids in the snow became adults. Jake, now 24, has gone through high school and college. He now lives in the city and works at an architecture firm. I am 18 just started my first year in college. While so much about our lives has changed, the friendship between us has endured. I love the special bond I have with my sibling.
I love all those childhood nights we stayed up way past our bedtimes, speaking in hushed tones as to not wake our parents. I love all our favorite movies that we watched and quoted ad nauseam that still make me smile when they come on TV. I love our random texts conversations, just to keep in touch when we’re not together. I believe that no matter how much time goes by, my brother will always be my best friend.