I am forever your big sister
Letter to my brothers
I have two younger brothers. And to them I say — I am forever your big sister. No matter how old you get, you are forever my baby brothers.
We may not have been the best siblings growing up.
I might have been (or certainly was!) a snob in my tweens/teens — especially since I am the only girl, and both of you got along so well — same interests, same games, similar age. I went with my peers, and you — you had each other.
But I know my place. I am the big sister. When push comes to shove, when I need to step into those shoes, I put my big girl pants on and be the strong sister for you.
When you fall down riding your bike, and cry — I’ll be first to tell you, cry if you want, but pick yourself back up and try again.
When you fail your exam — I’ll be first to tell you, it’s no big deal. This is a lesson learned. You can always try again.
When you need me for anything — I’ll be first to tell you — it’s ok, tell me anything.
When your heart breaks, my heart breaks with you.
When your heart is full and brimming with pride — I’ll be prouder of you.
Life can be full if “falling down your bike” and “failing your exam”. It’s full of it, and more. Sometimes, it does suck. There’s no mincing words about it.
But … it’s ok to cry. It’s ok not to be ok. It’s ok not to be strong all the time. I’m here. Cry if you want. Get mad if you want. (I think you should get mad).
But after that, let me help you get back up.
I am forever your big sister. Your Ate. And I will always have your back.
Ate in Tagalog means “older sister”. It is also a term used for older female friends/relatives/acquaintances to signal respect.
