My brother and I have an age gap of 12 years. We don't always get along or have stimulating conversation, but we do love each other. Whenever I go home, my brother tells me he loves me, he hugs me and gives me a kiss. Spending time with him has become crucial the older we both get. I miss him a lot more and even more than I let on. I've watched my brother grow since he was a little baby and I plan to watch him grow for as long I can. And I know most of all of what my brother loves to do.
He loves going to the beach or the pool. He might as well be a fish! No matter how cold the water is my brother wants to be in it.
He loves to dress up as superheroes, especially Spider-man. He has at least 10 costumes that he can change in and out of during the day.
And he loves the snow! This was his first snowman and it looks just like our dad. (But my dad and I did all the work!)
My brother and I have conversations about many things. We talk about Star Wars, school, his behavior, and college. It's not always easy to talk to someone so young, but we make it work. My brother reminds me how fun it is to jump on a trampoline or how amazing it is to share your childhood with someone. I am being pushed towards adulthood more and more each day. My brother reminds me how important it is to relax and "be a kid again." I love sharing certain aspects of my childhood with him, from Dragon Tales to bedtime stories.
While everything I've listed above is important and great, there is something even greater about my relationship with my brother. My brother reminds me every day what it is like to be loved. He tells me he loves me, hugs me, and gives me a kiss. There is something amazing in someone who does not feel odd about public displays of affection. My brother will hug me whether we are in public or just hanging out at our home. My dad isn't that big on hugs, but my brother will give me a hug several times a day. For some reason, hugs especially from my brother, make anything happening around me disappear and the world is okay again.
There isn't a lot of stimulating conversation, but he has his moments of epiphany. Here is one of our conversations:
I'm driving to a dinner with our parents. He is in the back seat and we are talking about college.
Josh: Hey Kenzie?
Me: Yes, Josh?
Josh: When you go to college?
Me: Yes?
Josh: You will always be in my heart.
That conversation has warmed my heart and followed me all the way to UNCG. I love my brother and I know he loves me too.
Please let this article inspire you to reconnect with your sibling and/or hold them dear to your heart.
