With any relationship, whether biological or non-biological, there has to be a certain place in time when both parties begin to feel warmth towards one another. There must be an establishment of trust; cohesiveness is necessary in any healthy relationship or bond. With you, I don’t remember when it happened; it happened all too fast. We saved ourselves some time and skipped that process; dating all the way back to my very first recollection of you and your vibrant presence, I have always trusted and loved you.
The term “sister” is just that, a term. It is not an obligatory or mandatory assignment that one must take on. However, you took it upon yourself to be the best older sister you could be, and you have exceeded that beyond all measures.
Being the oldest of four children is undoubtedly challenging. Not only did you have three younger siblings looking up to you, but you successfully paved the course to success and achievement. I remember marveling at the many milestones you came across: your fifth grade culmination, your eighth grade graduation, first communion, confirmation, and high school graduation. I couldn’t help but depict myself in your shoes and picture myself up on those stages, accomplishing the things you did. As minorities, people like us are not suppose to achieve the things you did. There were many times in which we faced obstacles, but never alone. Whether personal, financial, or outer struggles, we always tackled them as a family. That alone motivated me; it made me realize that we, children of two immigrant parents, can too live out our own American Dream.
Though you were an exemplary role model for our younger siblings and myself, there is a deeper, underlying foundation that cannot go unseen: our two beautiful parents. Our parents sacrificed everything for us; they left their families behind in hopes, not certainty, that one day they could provide us with all the things they were never able or struggled to attain for themselves living in Mexico: a higher education, a consistent source of income, and a home. Yes, there has been many things we had to sacrifice, many things we wish we could’ve had. But our parents never struggled nor hesitated to provide us with love, affection, and discipline, all of which you cannot place a monetary value on. You were their first child; being first-time parents is just as daunting as being the oldest. Luckily, they did a good job and raised the embodiment of what every older sister should be. Yes, they were stricter toward you, there were not always OK with you going out and hanging out with friends, and by the time I was in high school they were more lenient. But it is not because I was their favorite (though I always said I was); it was because they realized that the person whose footsteps I was following demonstrated responsible and mature demeanor. Without mom and dad, there is no you; without you, there is no me.
Like I said before, you have and continue to reach milestones that no other person with the Fuentes name has ever done. The first in our family to attend college, and now, you are finally a graduate, the first and only person to receive a degree from a University…so far. I can still remember the days when I wanted to hangout with you, watch movies, listen to music, but you said no. Not because you didn’t want to, but because you were doing homework or had to study or were just tired from a long day at school. I would be so upset but I'm glad you put me aside...now we have each other for the rest of our lives.
You are nowhere near finished; the journey is just beginning for you and our family. I look forward to the future and I’m excited to witness the places you’ll go and the things you’ll accomplish.
You’re a tough act to follow sis!
With the greatest, most immeasurable love,
Your little brother
