Brotha! Help me.

My brother is quite possibly one of my favorite people in the world. As the older sibling, I always felt like it was my duty to set a good example for him. Although a lot of my choices growing up were for personal reasons- like not drinking or going to parties- subconsciously I think it was to show him that you don't need all that to be accepted, liked or have a good time.

As we grow older, I feel we have gotten closer as brother and sister mainly because we talk candidly about everything. He's the first person I go to with parent problems because he knows exactly where I'm coming from. He's one of the only people I trust with a big issue or dilemma I'm dealing with. It's because I know he will give me his honest answer and truly wants what's best for me. That's not a trait I take for granted. I know that I need to be a good listener for him because I'm sometimes the first person he runs an idea by, like the time he told me that he wanted to leave the college he was at to pursue becoming a Paramedic. I knew that he was looking for guidance and also someone in his corner to stick up for his choice against my parents' hesitation.

Not only did I support his choice, I encouraged it. See the thing is, my brother is amazing at everything he does, I just think he sometimes needs a push or nudge in the right direction to get him started. I know that whatever he does do, people will love him instantly and find him hilarious- and I'm not even jealous that he's funnier than me. Okay, maybe a little.

The thing is, my brother is one of my best friends. People find it odd that we're so close and actually enjoy spending time together. I can't imagine it being any other way.

So Johnny Cakes, thanks for being the best brother a sister could ever have. Love you.