Warning: This article may be to sentimental for some, so continue to read at your own risk.
Ever since I was little I've looked up to my older brother. I remember times when I would constantly follow him around and when I say follow I mean, walk directly behind him and if he dropped his bottle filled with grape juice then I would always be there to make sure he had it back within his grasp. And when we were younger we were inseparable. Wherever he was I would be also. And it was great when we were little kids, but as we both grew up, I wasn't always right behind him anymore. As we grew up, we both got busy and became unique individuals.
But even though we both grew up and I wasn't constantly following him around anymore, I never lost sight of the fact that he has always been someone I've looked up to. For example, when I entered the dreaded years of middle school I looked up to my brother for guidance and support. You see, I was the shy girl who was to afraid to speak up, because I feared the judgement and words of others. But, that fear slowly began to fade when I took a page from my older brothers "handbook" and jumped into the situation with an open mind. I learned not to fear the unknown. My older brother has taught me that you shouldn't fear the outcome of a situation. But rather, you should jump into the situation with the hope that everything will be okay.
The pure joy that my older brother has for life is something I've always admired about him as well. In the past and currently I struggle with seeing the positive side of things. I guess you could say I'm a pessimist and he's an optimist. So, I've always looked up to him for guidance in this area of life. When a situation seems bleak and I see the situation as "half-empty," I take another page out of my brothers "handbook." I take time to stop and refocus. I've learned that every situation has a silver lining. It may not be visible to someone who is "blind." But, when you take off the blinder and look at a situation with a fresh pair of eyes then you'll be able to find the joy that is found in every situation.
I admire my brother and look up to him, but that doesn't mean he's perfect because no one is. He's has his faults and he's let me down before. He's made his share of mistakes and there's been times where he's lost my admiration. But, when I think about it, it is because of his determination to fix his mistakes and rebuild that trust between us, that I continue to admire him and look up to him. He may not be perfect, but he's always been someone I've looked up to and I wouldn't trade that for anything. So, this is a letter for him. It's a letter of gratitude, and thanks.
I'm so grateful for your guidance and support over the years. And I wouldn't trade anything, not to have you as my older brother and I'm so thankful that I've had you as a role-model since the time that we drank bottles full of grape juice together. I guess that's it. I hope it wasn't to sentimental for you and I hope it makes you smile just a little bit brighter today.
Oh, and Happy 22nd Birthday J!
Love your little sister,
K
