When my brother was born, I cried to the nurses and told them to return him. I was an only child for about seven years so I was always used to being the center of attention. I was an upset child who not only had to share attention with my parents but family friends and extended family. Alex, who is my brother, was a quiet chubby baby who never cried or complained at all.

On the other hand, I was a noisy monster who couldn't go out without making a dramatic scene. As Alex and I got older, we began to connect more since he began to talk and walk around. We shared common interests in playing in the dirt, sports, music and humor. Like all siblings, we had our ups and downs, but one thing I can say about my brother is that he was always forgiving to me. As a little child to the preteen he is now, he was always forgiving of the actions I would do to him. I could ruin his favorite drawing or kick his favorite ball far away, but he would never hate or give me the cold shoulder. Yeah, he would be upset and say something rude, but he always found some way of letting it go. I used to not be very forgiving of my brother when he would do the same, but I eventually realized that resentment and anger was not the way to go. It only creates strains on relationships that could be strengthened or worked on.

Upon leaving college we spent less time since he was deeply involved in sports and I was preparing for the next chapter in my life. We didn't talk a whole lot while I was away since he was busy with middle school and sports, but the times we talked made me realize he was growing up without me. Having your family live a whole continent away doesn't help either because time zones are tricky. However, this didn't mean I didn't love my brother any less or that my relationship with him was gone. This was us growing up.

If there is one thing my brother has taught me besides his dedication to sports and smarts in history, is to be forgiving. In this world, it's easy to be hateful and bitter to those who do you wrong or you simply don't like. If it weren't for my brother showing me unconditional love when I was being a prick, I don't think I would be forgiving. Looking back, I am really thankful and blessed to have such a caring and forgiving brother.

Alex, if you're reading this, I love and miss you. I'm glad you are my one and only brother.