My Big Little Brother

I think just about everyone believes their family is the best in world...I'm definitely one of them. I know I've written about this before, but this time I want to dedicate one to my brother. I can't call him my little brother anymore because he's got almost 6 inches on me, but he will always be my little brother. This boy has been one of my best friends since the day he was born. All growing up he was always so patient to be my student, my patient, and even sometimes my human mannequin. I remember making him mad and being scared to death that he was going to kill me so I would hurry and do something dumb to make him laugh. He had the cutest little blonde curls and the biggest ears. I loved that little boy and still do!

That boy is not so little anymore. He just turned 17 and is a junior in high school. He's 6'3" and could beat me up if he really wanted to. On Tuesday I came home to go to his game and as the time for the JV game to start got closer I kept wondering why we hadn't left yet. So I finally said, "Don't we kind of need to leave?" My mom replied, "He's only playing varsity, and he's starting!" I was SO excited for him! I think I was more nervous than he was and held my breath every time he got the ball, but he played SO good! I have never been more proud of anything in my life. After the game it took all that was in me not to run down there and give him a huge hug. He would have been so embarrassed...I should've done it! Haha. But I waited patiently and only ran down a few steps to give him a big, sweaty hug. He had a nice bruised and swollen nose for his efforts, but a sister couldn't have been happier. I love my brother not only for being an awesome basketball player, but for being an awesome person. I love the nights we get to drive somewhere and talk, laughing about the things only siblings appreciate. Hearing all the things my mom will never know and telling him some of my own stories.

I wish I was home to spend more time with him, but I find comfort in a favorite quote. "Like branches on a tree, we grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one. Each of our lives will always be a special part of the other." Although my family is growing up and growing in different directions we'll always have each other. I love my brother and can't wait to spend the next couple months watching him playing a sport he loves. Thanks Tanner for always loving me!