You...

I was excited when I heard that you were coming into this world. I wanted you to be a girl. I was delighted the day you were born. As a young girl of 5, I remember coming to meet you at the hospital. I was amazed at how small you were. I will remember that day even more clearly because mama (uncle) and I left the keys in the car in our hurry to meet you.

You were tiny. It amazed me. But soon I was jealous. After 5 years of having everyone's attention, I didn't like how they focused on you. I remember how I told everyone that your tears were "crocodile tears" because when you cried, there were no tears! I found it funny how you never kept your food in. What went in always came out. Just the wrong way.

Given that our birthdays were a month apart, you always had to compromise and celebrate it together. Until I turned 9 that is. I also remember how you stayed with me when I had chicken pox when I was 7 and wasn't allowed visitors. I thanked you for that by deserting you for a birthday party when you got it next. I remember how I taunted you and said for years how it would have been better to have an older brother than to be stuck with you. I hated how you seemed to get special treatment just because you were younger. You were always everyone's favourite.

As we grew older though, you and I began getting along a lot better. Yes we had our fights. But they were not as bad as before. We played games --- scrabble, chess, snakes and ladders, card games. I beat you most of the time but you got better as the years went on. I slowly learnt to trust you with secrets. You and I had our inside jokes. I fondly remember the times when you and I would giggle over the smallest of things --- things that no one else could understand. You were the one I'd turn to regarding what clothes suited me. You were the one I'd wake every morning before work asking if the clothes looked 'formal enough'. You were the one I'd come home to and talk about my day --- from start to finish without leaving out a single detail. You were the one I enjoyed going to the gym with.

And then, I moved. Miles away. But I still kept you updated. I still trusted you with secrets. And you and I still had our giggles, albeit over the phone. I apparently did not hug you the first time I left. (I still don't remember shaking hands as you claim!) 4 years away from you I have realised that you have changed. Not just in terms of your taste in music. But you have grown. I am still amazed.

After almost 21 years together, I want you to know: I am glad I never had that older brother. And I would never trade you for any older brother in the world.          

Thank you sis!

For being there for me.

For being supportive.

For being funny.

For being you.

Until next time,

Cheers!!!