Brothers

May 8th 2012

Dear brother,

Congratulations on finishing exams. I know it is such a relief for you. I'm sorry it's so hard. I was glad we got to spend some quality together on Sunday, brunch, Avengers movie and games. I'm sorry mom and dad are so harsh on you. And I'm sorry you think that I was perfect.

I know it's not easy, that I did so well with school and university and everything. It is hard to live with irrational and over-expectation from our parents. It is. But as I told you, trust me, my life has never been easy, and I have never been on a fast lane or fast track. In fact, sometimes I am jealous with you. Mom and Dad (and me) look over you and help you and was ready to jump into your rescue, sometimes we tell you what to do too much. However, when I was your age, I was utterly alone, alone with even the biggest decisions in my life. I know your life is not easy, as my wasn't. So please know I am trying to help as much as I can.

The truth is, 2-3 years down the road, or maybe more, when you read this letter, you will probably doubt me and my intentions. You will probably also laugh at how we all are over-protective of you. I know you are old enough, and I trust your decisions. I just want to make sure you don't regret any part of life. I just want to make sure you will have the best childhood you can, because that won't come back.

I know you are searching for your identity. I know. This is such an important time in your life that you need all the space you can, which I am trying to fight mom and dad for you. And I KNOW in my heart you'd turn out to be an awesome man.

I can't help but think, 10-20 years down the road, (if we still keep in touch, I sure hope we still are close), that you will have some arguments. Maybe over the girl you love, maybe over your career choice, maybe over a mistake you made, maybe over something as silly as who should own the house mom and dad has right now. But then, if you see this, know, that I care for you, deeply. I care as brothers, and fathers, and family do; as I care for you right now. That doesn't change and no time or circumstances will change that.

So be brave, and enjoy your time as a teenager; because, before long, you'd be 26 thinking of what you have done to lead you there, the way I did.

I hope you'd be proud of yourself as I am of you. I hope you'd be proud of me too.

With love,

Big brother