Growing up, I was forced to become tough, smart, and manipulative by having an older brother. Despite our constant bickering over who is right about a subject that neither of us really cares about, I wouldn’t trade my brother for the world. However, this love did not come easy. There were times throughout my life that I would’ve offed my brother in some freak accident and if you have an older brother like me you can probably list all the times you wish you had a sister, dog, fish, or anything besides an older brother. But somehow when you look at the grand scheme of things you realize that having an annoying, stubborn, and lovable big brother was the best thing that ever happened to you. Here are a couple bullet points describing my life with a big brother, which I’m assuming most of you can relate to.
1. My big brother was my role model growing up
When I was little I thought my brother was the coolest thing since the Nintendo. I listened to the music he did, I tried out for the sports he played, and I even wanted to dress the way he did. I can thank my brother for my Wolfmother CD collection, my skateboard themed apparel in JH, and my love for art. I played saxophone, ran track, and played Dragon Ball Z video games because he did. I would feel accomplished every time my brother would compliment me on a drawing or burned CD I had just made. I wanted to be just like him, and I did everything in my power to try and follow in his footsteps.
2. I’ve coughed on his pillow when I was sick
Even though I thought my brother was cool, that didn’t stop us from fighting all the time. I don’t know why, but it seemed like most of our conversations growing up, ended in a fight. My brother being just as stubborn as I would never know when to quit. When I was too frustrated to fight anymore I would go to my room and plot. I was two years younger than him and about two feet shorter so I had to be creative when I wanted to get back at him. I’ve coughed on his pillow when I had strep throat and hid his favorite stuff in my room so he couldn’t find it. I’ve yelled, “MOM RACE IS HURTING ME!” when my brother was 5 feet away from me and have slapped him across the face. He was two years older than me so I was only evening the playing field.
3. My brother didn’t let me get away with BS
My brother knew me well enough to call out my BS. When I played sick to ditch school, he’d call me out. When I faked sleeping to avoid chores, he’d call me out. When I made excuses for doing things I wasn't supposed to, he’d call me out. I use to hate when he did thins, but now I’m thankful. My brother taught me to be relentless and take responsibility for my actions. My brother knew when I was performing at my best and if I wasn’t he’d call me out.
4. My brother gave me my completive edge
Even though we were two years apart and different genders, I always strived to do better that my brother in things. From grades to sports I always wanted to be the better Heitkamp. Even though it was rare to beat my brother in anything, I pushed for it and my brother subconsciously helped me accomplish the things I have. He set the bar and it was my job to raise it. Even in sports he would yell from the sidelines to push harder and perform better. I wanted to not only beat him but made him proud of me in the process.
5. My most memorable moments growing up were shared with my brother
My brother and I had just as many good times as bad ones. Despite what our parents thought, we really did like each other. When we were little my brother convinced me to put a cooler on top of my scooter and roll down our steep asphalt hill without a helmet. I did it without question and had the most terrifyingly fun experience of my life. Our rooms were across from each other and sometimes of laundry day was would have a sock war. We’d throw bunches of sticky socks at one another hoping to hit the other person as hard as we could. Memories like these can only come from growing up with an older brother and I thank God every day for them.
6. I spent most of my childhood on the ground
From practicing new wresting moves to just goofing around, I have had my fair share of being pinned down. I have been drooled on, tickled, and choked (not on purpose). I remember getting my arms pinned down by his knees and being helpless for about an hour at a time. However, I did learn how to squirm my way out of a death grip.
7. I love my brother
Love was a questionable word growing up, but looking back on it, my brother really was as cool as I thought he was growing up. My brother helped turn me into the person I am today, and I am so very thankful for that. I continue to learn new things and be jealous of all the cool things he does. I will always continue to try to keep up with him and follow in his footsteps. As a younger sister, I want to raise a factional glass to all the big brothers everywhere. Thank you for teaching us lessons we could only learn from a brother. Thank you for knocking sense into our brain and realizing we deserve better. Thank you for taking the time to let us hang out with you and your friends. Thank you for an awesome childhood, even though we hated you through 70% of it.
