A Long Lost Brotherly Bond
It seems like everyone has at least one telenovela moment in their lifetime. Mine happened to be during the autumn season of my senior year of high school. While we all know senior year is a roller-coaster with many unexpected twists, the last twist I would have predicted was having a long-lost brother only eight months apart from me.
Little did I know, but a twin brother was exactly what I needed.
Growing up, I was the only child in my house. While I do have three siblings, we have a large age gap, so I ‘ve always lived alone. The most common question I would hear growing up was, “Don’t you wish you had someone to play with?” However, I had always been perfectly content with the way things were. My parents were my best friends. Being an only child didn’t hinder my ability to socialize or make me spoiled, as many typically believe. Despite the stereotypes, being an only child, if anything, made me want to branch out more, while still having great affection for my parents. They have always been my support system, the rock I fall back on.
This past summer I finally got to experience what life is like living with a sibling. My mysterious brother from Hawaii, who I did not know existed until the past fall, was packing up his stuff to come live with our family. While we never grew up together, we ended up still being so similar. We share tons of common interests, hobbies, and values. Yet what I love most about our relationship are the things we don’t have in common. It was in those areas that my brother taught me so many valuable lessons. He showed me what it looks like to be gracious, kind, mature, and patient. My brother is my ultimate role model of what it looks like to have a genuine kind soul. I look to him for advice on so many aspects of life and his words of wisdom are what have opened my eyes to the immense number of things in this world to be grateful for.
There is something truly special about brotherly love that makes it unique from all other relationships. I have grown a profound appreciation for my three brothers and our relationship. Your brother will be the first to tease you, but definitely would not let someone else do the same. Brothers are protective and supportive, even if they have a funny way of showing it. At the end of the day, no one understands you better.
As an only child, I was able to grow a special bond with my parents that is irreplaceable. Nevertheless, the bonds I have grown with my siblings have enriched my life in so many ways. Whether or not you are an only child, have hundreds of siblings, or have distant siblings, at the end of the day, it does not matter. Family comes in many forms and there is no correct blueprint. The value of family comes from the connections we build with each other and the love we share amongst ourselves.
I am extremely grateful to say that 23andMe gave me one of the best gifts of my life.
