As the youngest child of three, when I grew up, I never fully noticed how lucky I am to have grown up with two older siblings that cared about me and loved me. If you are a younger sibling, you may know what I am talking about. I always thought it was strange when friends in elementary school would say how often they fight with their siblings, because when I thought of fighting with either of my siblings, the only thing I could come up with was the occasional kick in the butt (if I could reach). However, I can't think of a time where I have ever had a real fight with either of siblings.
If I didn't grow up being about seven years apart from my sister and 11 years apart from my brother, I don't think I would have learned as much as I did at such young ages. I always tried to act mature for my age so that they would let me hang out with them and their friends. Either I succeeded, or they both were just being nice and letting me stick around anyway. Looking back on that now, I was probably super annoying.
If I didn't have the two of them, I wouldn't have realized how I should expect to be treated by people as early as I did. I may not have realized right away that my feelings are just as important as others' feelings. They both taught me things about life, maybe without even realizing it. They both also taught me how to be a good person and how to be kind.
They taught me how to enjoy playing sports. In all honesty, when I started playing soccer, I wasn't the biggest fan, but I continued to do it because they both did, and I wanted to be more like them. Looking back on it, I realized that by playing that sport, I had gained so much, I gained experience in how to work as a team, how to be compassionate for my teammates, how to know what it's like to have a group of people that support you, and what it means to be confident in my abilities.
Speaking of confidence. Without both of them, I may never realized how important it is to realize and appreciate the things I love about myself or the things that I am good at. I may never have realized my mistakes when I made them and how to laugh off embarrassing moments.
They both taught me that life isn't all about the serious things, while yes, doing well in school is important (since they both exceeded in school), they also showed me that when I do get a grade I don't enjoy, it's not the end of the world.
They both helped me with my school work when I needed it. To Bryan, thank you for all the history help since history is NOT my thing, also thank you for always telling me that when in doubt of a history paper topic, Alexander the Great is the best option. And Brittany, thank you for going with me to Colonial Cafe during finals week because for some reason our house internet was not working, and for then proceeding to hold in your anger with me when I accidentally dropped your phone in ice cream.
You both also have accomplished so much. Bryan, you got married and now have a gorgeous daughter. You showed me what it's like to start your own family and to have someone by your side that you love. Brittany, you got married and therefore did the same
By seeing how happy you both are, helped me realize what makes me happy. I know that I have found a keeper and that I am very lucky. I am able to put my trust in him and I am able to be confident and myself around him and I am able to love him. I am the happiest I can be. Thank you for showing me how to love through the way you found love!
Also, a thank you to Mom and Dad, because none of us would be who we are without them, we wouldn't have had the experiences we had without them, we wouldn't have been siblings without them, we wouldn't have been as close without them, we wouldn't have learned how great family is without them. The things they taught you before I came along rubbed off on me. None of us would be the people we are without them. You all showed me how to be me and how to be happy and now I have found happiness and confidence in myself. All of you in my life make me who I am and I couldn't be more thankful and happy! Love you all and thank you for making each day a good day!
