Thank a brother or sister | Day 23 of 30thanks

My brothers Charles & Alex hanging out with me in my dorm room, 1998

I’ve got two fantastic brothers, Alex (who’s 5 years younger than me) and Charles (who’s 9 years younger). I’m proud of and grateful to both of them for many reasons. I’ve previously thanked Alex, and today I want to thank Charles.

Chaz was my “baby” brother, and I still sometimes forget that he’s not in need of my Big Sister protection. That instinct still kicks in. He and I are alike in many ways, which means I also sometimes forget that what I see as The Right Way for me isn’t also necessarily The Right Way for him. But one of the traits he shares with me (indeed, that all three of us share) is the urge to question and challenge what we’re told to make sure it fits for us before we accept it. So even when I’m being Big Sisterly, Chaz is pretty chill about it. Thanks for that, Chaz.

Thanks for making sno-cones a permanent reminder of laughter and family vacations, and for all of the similar laughs that you’ve shared with and brought to the family (even the ones that were initially not-so-funny to you… ahem, white rice, ahem). You’ve always brought levity with you, usually accompanied by that trademark nearly imperceptible eyebrow lift you share with your brother.

Thanks also for following your heart, and for being brave enough to carve your own path.

Yep, we're in a tree. Circa early 90s.

To both Chaz and Alex, I am grateful that I got lucky enough to be your sister.

Gratitude Mission, Day 23: Thank a brother or sister

You could… Thank your siblings  •  Thank your children for being good siblings to each other  •  Thank your partner for being a good sibling to his or her family  •  Thank a dear friend who’s been your soul sister or your “brother from another mother.”  •  Or all of the above, if you’re so inclined!

* Remember to tag your thanks with #30thanks if you want other gratitude adventurers to be able to find you.