To My Younger Brother Who's Different From Me In Almost Every Way, Thanks For Helping Me Find Myself

Published on TheOdysseyOnline

Remember when we were young and used to slide around on the kitchen floor in just our socks pretending to be superheroes?

Or when we used to spend hours playing Rescue Heros or watching Scooby-Doo?

How about when we used to devour those frozen lemonades after we left the pool on hot summer days?

I have the privilege of sharing just about all of my childhood memories with you, which is something that I can't say for just about anyone else, aside from probably Mom. If I can't remember some small detail about our childhood, you will always be there to remind me, and we can laugh over each memory together. I cannot imagine having grown up without you (even though I tried to ship you to France in a large cardboard box when we were little).

Since we were as young as elementary school age, everyone has told us how different we are. In addition to our starkly contrasting hair colors, our personalities could not have been more different. You were the outgoing class clown that loved attention and sports. I, on the other hand, kept to myself and much preferred to play imaginary games or read a book at your beloved sports games.

As we grew up, our differences grew a little deeper. You began holding fast to your opinions and strongly defended what you believed was right. I was the opposite still, in that I avoided conflict like it was a disease, constantly trying to mediate and compromise. It was during these years that we grew apart. We stopped playing in the giant magnolia tree in our front yard, lovingly deemed "The Jungle Gym," we took up different hobbies, and eventually, we attended different high schools.

Although you're just about two years younger than I am, sometimes I feel like you are a lot older. Growing up, I sat on the sidelines of life, but you dove in headfirst, eager to try new things and learn new skills. You have always put your whole heart into your passions, from Tech Decks to basketball, to Fortnite. You are wholeheartedly loyal to your family and friends no matter what they do or say.

Our differences have come to teach me a lot about myself. Thank you for teaching me how to stand up for what I believe is right. Thank you for showing me how to be strong in the toughest of situations. Thank you for still loving me even though I forced you to play Polly Pockets and watch "Pretty Little Liars" years ago.

Most of all, thank you for continuing to inspire me each day, no matter how old we are.