I have been meaning to dedicate one of these blog posts to you for quite some time now, but for whatever reason(s), have neglected doing so until now. There's nothing like a brother (aka YOU) almost drowning to death to push me to finally do this. I have a lot of feelings and thoughts right now. I could try to express them all here, but then I would probably be writing a book, and as I'm sure you're now well aware of, life can be cut short, so I'll spare you the details and just give you the thoughts that are at the forefront of my mind right now.
You posted this picture on Facebook with the caption, "When sister and brother stand shoulder to shoulder, who stands a chance against us?"
An image that came up for me recently was when you and I were younger and at the now closed Kiddieland Amusement Park. You seem to have a great long term memory, so I'm sure you remember this. We were on one of the rides together; I think it was the octopus-like ride with all the arms moving up and down in the air. You were a bite-sized lad, so you could have easily slipped out and you almost did. I, although still quite petite, was big enough to not slip out, so I remember holding onto you so you wouldn't slip away and fall out. That's how I feel right now. I want to hold onto you and not let go. It brings much more meaning to me thinking about how I always like to latch onto and embrace people in pictures.
I know you have big dreams and hopes for yourself. I hope that you are able to achieve them. However, I do also want to give a disclaimer that it is important to be mindful that you are indeed human, despite having felt indestructible at times. Even Superman has his kryptonite. Mommy shares these sentiments with me. I called her in tears after I saw your Facebook post of you in the hospital. (Side note: I was also upset that I was kept out of the loop! Mommy and Daddy didn't even call me. I wouldn't have known about the incident otherwise.) We want you to realize your dreams, but we don't want to lose you, so of course we care about your safety. In other words, reach for your dreams, but please don't get killed trying to do so. A few songs come to mind right now, "Dream Big" by Ryan Shupe & The Rubberband, who also conveniently has a song called "Even Superman"; and "Live Like You Were Dying" by Tim McGraw.
Okay, I think that's enough of me spewing out my feelings for now. There's a lot more that I could say, but I've at least said the major stuff. I'm sure you have many things going through your mind at this time. Feel free to talk out your thoughts with me whenever. I'm here for you.
I love you so very much and am blessed to have a brother like you. Now, go on and embrace life, but try not to die anytime soon. That would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Your concerned sibling,
Erica