Typically when you tell a person you have a sibling, whether older or younger, brother or sister, all too often the reactions are the same: an apology and look of pity. At one point or another, siblings go through a phase of annoying each other to the ends of the Earth and then some. I can’t say I was entirely spared from such experience, but having a brother 10 years older than me was quite different than some sibling horror stories I’ve heard.
Don’t get me wrong, my brother had his moments of pushing all the right buttons. However, those memories are few and far between. There is a good chance that without my brother, I wouldn’t have some of the hobbies and interests that make me who I am. When the age gap between siblings is as much as 10 years or more, taking the time to show appreciation happens about as often as reading a book for fun. Nonetheless, it should be done.
To my big brother:
You’re 10 years older and probably 10 years wiser—even if I don’t want to admit it. However, that age difference is the building blocks of the type of bond we developed. We aren’t two peas in a pod, but we aren’t complete strangers. We fit somewhere happily in the middle that’s all our own. You led the way creating a path for me to follow, but to also make my own. Even if you didn’t know it, you were a role model for your little sister.
I looked up to you as you taught yourself to play guitar, graduated from high school, graduated from college and walked away with a job in hand. I’ve seen you succeed, and because of that I know I will, too. Without you, I would not have found my passion for sports among other things. Initially, I hated every second you refused to lower the basketball hoop for your little sister, but now I have to thank you. If you hadn’t done that, I might not have become the player I am. You helped me expand my interests from video games to "Lord of the Rings" and "Star Wars".
To this day, I still hope to one day learn to play the guitar. Although I know don’t have the patience, I know it’s possible because you did it. In the end, the only words that really sum everything up are thank you. Thank you for being the brother you are. You are my inspiration in times when I think I can’t. But then I think of you and know that I can because you did. We had our moments at times, but looking back at pictures and memories, I see a brother who will always love his little sister. We might not be as close as other siblings are, but we have our own kind of bond.
At the end of the day, I know you are there just like you always have been. Some people wish they could change the relationship they have with a sibling. I am certainly not one of those people. I wouldn’t trade you or the memories I have with you for anything. So thanks big brother.
Sincerely,
Your Lil’ Sis
