When a Little Brother Teaches His Big Sister
“Life is unpredictable; life is full of surprises. We’ll never know what will happen next – and that’s the beauty of it. There’s always that thrilling sensation.”
Life has a lot of stereotypes and ironies. There are instances when we can already predict the outcome of certain happenings; however, things may not also happen the way we expect them to.
What happens when your little brother who’s normally totally annoying and insensible turns out to give you the answer to a question which you’ve longed for… well let’s say, for quite some time already? Feels good and weird at the same time, right? I mean, yes you finally had the answer, but it makes you feel younger and immature, thinking “Why haven’t I thought of that all this time?”
Well… first and foremost, technically my little brother is not legally and biologically a part of my family. Usually, we have our “ate’s” and “kuya’s” whom we look up to and eventually acted as our own siblings. Well, I became one of those “ate’s” to one of the most unique people I’ve ever met in my 17 years of living in this world.
Physically – particularly when it comes to height issues, he’s not fit in being my little brother because he’s about 7-8 inches taller than I am (OK, maybe 9 inches he-he). At first I found him really frustrating, (which I think added points in being my li’l bro) because I couldn’t get him at all. Some people found him a bit weird, quite frankly scary but I found him quite interesting – also in a weird and mysterious way. Like I said, I didn’t get him at all at first and it made me want to know him all the more. I usually know how to read people and whom they really are deep inside, but this one’s difficult.
Knowing him wasn’t that difficult, what a relief. He was open when it comes to sharing a part of his life even with people not even close to him… yet. I was one of those people. He was honest with himself and admitted both his strengths and weaknesses. He may seem a bit conceited at times or should I say, frequently. Okay, it’s normal for a guy’s ego, but he wasn’t this spoiled, insensitive rich kid who he may seem as – when it comes to looks and first impressions. He’s child-like but can also be mature when needed. He has this ability to scare and attract people at the same time.
One thing I found hard in keeping up with is his mood swings. I wasn’t really that good in taking the initiative to approach people (I have my timid side). So I was really hesitant to reach out to him.
So how did he become my little brother?
Well… we did become close because of the several chances given to us to know a bit of each other. Surprisingly, I found it easy to talk to him because of some similar interests. He was fun-to-be with and that’s one of his fortes – to make people happy. So eventually we became close and there came a point when I said out of the blue, You know what, if I was really your ate, I would be totally strict to you. And so I did, he actually wanted someone who would scold him MOST of the times and I said to myself… Yeap, I can do that.
By the way, I actually didn’t like the idea of being called as an “ate” ‘cause that would mean that I’m older, right? I’m a bit sensitive when it comes to age issues.But this time, I did like the feeling of becoming and acting older for this unique individual.
So what exactly was that question which my little brother answered? It’s quite simple actually, but I’ve always thought of a complicated response to it.
I still haven’t known my real purpose in life. I’ve always waited for the right answer. So what is it?
Here’s my little brother’s response: Well, my purpose in life is to be there for the people that I live for.
So that says it all. I don’t need a one-in-a-million answer like: your purpose in life is to be a millionaire, to become the best doctor who would save many people, or to become a worthless/jobless person. How would I know that when all those things would only happen in the future? I needed a present answer, and I already got it. As long as I’m still living in this world, my reason for living is for the ones that I love and care for the most. Even the simplest thing I can do for them would already mean a lot because for some way and for some special reason, I already made a change in their lives – a change which is hopefully for the better.
Before, I was forcing myself to find out my purpose in life. Then I realized that it’s not about you knowing your purpose but it’s about you doing it even without recognizing you’ve already done it. That’s what matters – you did your part in the lives of people. You don’t have to brag.
I’m really grateful for my little brother’s teaching. He taught me a valuable lesson about life and how to live. What he taught me may seem simple but like I said, even the smallest possible deed you do for people can serve as the greatest one.
So a million thanks li’l bro for coming into my life and making me as your proud ‘ATE’.
Looking forward to a happier and a more surprising year in 2010.
“Even the smallest gift can be the greatest deal this Christmas depending on the person who gives it.” 1-2-3 awoo!”:)


