For the first nine years of my life, I was an only child. I got all the attention, plus the fame and glory that comes with it. I knew I was number one in my parents heart, and loved every second of it. Now, ten years later, I share that spot with three little boys who I love with every fiber in my being. My brothers, who are 10,9, and 4, have taught me more about being a good person than anything else on this planet has.
Because I was old enough to understand what exactly a baby meant each time one came around, especially with the youngest one, I did take a bigger role in their life compared to my friends whose siblings are only a few years younger. I learned not only to share the love my parents gave me,but how to love unconditionally. No, I am not my brothers parent, but I love them as much as I believe a sister possibly could.
People underestimate the relationship I have with those three little boys. I think it goes over people's head that I do not have a normal relationship with them, rather, I have been able to experience their earliest years of life after mine, rather than sharing it. For the most part, I was not a child when they were born, I was almost (I know-that's up for debate) grown. So their first words, steps, joys and failures- I felt that with them. I felt, and still do feel, an overwhelming urge to protect them from the world, and shield them for the evils it holds. One of the hardest days of my life was during my senior year of high school, and my mother and I discussed with the boys what to do if there was a school shooting. Because of my brothers, I want to fight for a better world.
So, no, I am not my brothers parent. I do not know what it is like to love a child as a parent does, but I do know the receiving end of that love. And it is great.
Because of my brothers, not only will I be better prepared to one day be a parent (I mastered the art of changing a diaper long ago, and can make a bottle like the best of them), I am ready to fight for a better world.
So, to my brothers if they one day read this: I love you. Not just because of the men you are growing up to be, but because the hearts you have, the love you give, the joy you bring me, and lessons you have taught me.