Little Bro

I hope everyone had a good long weekend. I sure did! It was great to go out and visit family this weekend. Although it was only briefly, it was nice to see them.

I've been thinking lately how people, including myself, treat strangers as opposed to our families. For the most part when dealing with strangers, we give them the benefit of the doubt and are patient with them. This is because I believe we truly want to be a nice person. We want people to like us and be drawn to us, rather than avoid and resent us.

However when it comes to the people we live with and see all the time, we become complacent and take them for granted. We begin to pick at what they do and become annoyed at their little quirks. We become less patient, why? Is it because we are comfortable and confident that they will still stick around regardless? Or that they will forgive you, fluffing it off as it just being the way you are?

These are the thoughts that come into my head after some of my interactions with my brother. I probably give the least kindness to him out of anyone and yet he deserves the most kindness. He took care of my house when I was gone for two months, continues to help out a ton and goes above and beyond when I'm not there during some of the week. He is immensely patient with my busy schedule and doesn't not complain really at all. He is an awesome roommate and I do not give him the respect he deserves. There are instances when I'm hard on him, telling to get stuff done like it's expected and I don't thank him nearly enough. This doesn't make me feel too great about myself and I become ashamed. I really just want what is best for him. I've told him this as well as apologized several times, but you can only say sorry so many times before the word loses meaning. I know brothers are supposed to be rough, this is no problem. However, being unnecessarily mean and unfair is not acceptable in my books. I don't treat my kung fu family that way and I sure as heck shouldn't treat my biological family that way either

I seem to forget what I was like at his age. Although it was only 2 years ago, I feel he has much more of his life figured out than I did. I need to show more appreciation. He's my little brother afterall, the only little bro I have. This is why the relationship between him and I is the one I will mend this year so we can enjoy our time together for years to come.

I guess the point I'm trying to make here is don't become complacent with your family. Love them for who they are. You never know if you'll be able to show them how much you do again.

You can choose your friends, but you can't choose your family.

Take care everyone!