My younger brother is six years younger than me, but not any less of a friend to me.
I vividly remember when he was being born. It was the middle of the night and my parents came to my bedroom door, telling me that Grandma and Grandpa were coming over because my little brother was being born. I went back to sleep for maybe another hour, but I was too excited. So, I walked downstairs to my grandparents reading in the family room, clearly anxiously waiting for their newest grandchild.
I was seven years old then. Now, I am twenty-one and my brother is fourteen, almost fifteen. Some people are baffled by the six-year difference. I just think it is normal. Honestly, the age difference did us well. You know those petty things siblings fight about? Borrowing clothes, stealing friends, so-and-so did something annoying in school today, etc.? Never.
My brother and I have never gotten in a legitimate fight. I borrow his clothes when I want a big sweatshirt to wear around the house; quite frankly, I do not want to steal any of his friends; and we have never been in the same school together. All those petty issues have never been a question in our minds.Really, the only time I was slightly mad at him is when my mom had to stay in the hospital with him for a few days after he was born, and sometimes my blood boils when he chews his cereal too loud. Other than that, we get along great.It is hard to believe that the little sausage-legged, blonde-haired nugget is now a six-foot-something, long-haired high schooler. As a big sister, I am inevitably a little protective over my brother, but I have never really had to protect him. His kind heart is seen by everyone. He stands up for himself and for the people who need it. He is a great guy with all the potential in the world. I know with my parents’ guidance and the good head on his shoulders that my advice is not totally necessary. I also know that I am not very good at keeping my mouth shut. So…
When it comes to girls:
Do not let your friends, stereotype or heartbreak harden you as a person.
You have seen me through all of my awkward phases and questionable boys, so you know that I do not have a solid grip on “love.” What I do know is that if it gets too complicated, let go. If you are no longer happy, say goodbye. However, if someone makes you happy, hold on as tight as possible. You have a heart of gold and any girl would be lucky to have you.
Remember, too, that said girl needs to be approved by the big sis.
When it comes to your dreams:
You have the potential to be the shining light in this small town. Yes, I am biased because what big sister does not think her not-so-little brother is the best. But, it is not about the statistics. It is about the passion and the hard work. Watching you grow as a player and a teammate makes me a firm believer in your dreams. Sure, your swing has gotten better over the years, and there is no doubt you throw pretty damn hard. There is something else in you that people like to see, though. You push yourself (sometimes a little bit too hard) and you let the game push you. You want to be the best you can be, but so does everyone else. You, unlike many others, love the game so much that you will do everything you can to play. You motivate yourself in the classroom because you need to be eligible to play in the upcoming game. You bounce from one practice to another practice so you can never be “rusty” come spring.
People see how much you have grown and how much you can do. I believe in you, and you need to believe in yourself.
When it comes to high school:
Sometimes it seems like our small high school does not have much to offer, I know. However, high school is high school. By the time you are a senior, you will realize that there are a lot of things you will never get to do again.
College is amazing, and we will discuss that when the time comes (be a Bonnie). Play all the sports you want and meet new people. Work hard in the classroom, on the field(s) and the court. Make a positive name for yourself; it is nice to have a hometown behind you when you need it in the future. Mostly, make memories in our small town with the people you have grown up with in the place you call home.
When it comes to anything else:
I am only a text/Snapchat/phone call/two-hour drive away.
