A letter to my first friend...

I haven't posted in a while due to hectic life situations, but it's also because I've been sitting on this particular post.  Sometimes I wonder my brother knows how proud I am.  I worry that he doesn't.  He and I took very different paths in life and I hope he realizes that though his path took him on a different journey, I am prouder (more proud?) than words can possibly every express.


Dear Brother,
Almost 34 years ago, I was welcomed into this world and introduced to you.  In that instant, you became my big brother.  My first friend.  I became your shadow and witness to some awesomely stupid things (like that one time you ran into a tree and knocked yourself out cold).  
As a big brother, you were my protector.  I still remember relying on you one cold morning in Chicago to protect me from a bully.  I knew even then that you were steadfast and true.  My big brother.  Even through our years of puberty when we were constantly at each other's throats, you were a leader.  Someone who would do everything so big and bright there was no way I could compete.  And I never wanted to.  I simply wanted to watch my big brother succeed.
Fast forward to our adult years, and here I am.  Yes, I teach.  Yes, I am mother to your two awesome nieces.  Yes, I am still watching from the sidelines while you shine bigger and brighter with every passing year.  
And my heart swells with pride.  I am proud of my first friend, my leader.  I am proud of my big brother.  I apologize if I don't say it enough, but I am.  Each and every day you walk headfirst into hurricane winds pushing you back.  You strive to ignore the tiny whispers that might deter you from your goal.  You stride toward your own definition of success with your Artist's flag flying proudly.  For that, I am proud.  

Love,
Your little sister Tweets by @JackieMichele