I'm the youngest of seven kids and he is the closest to me in age (three years). The other five siblings are anywhere from 12-17 years older than me, so John was the sibling I bonded with the most growing up. Sure, we fought more often than we got along and I loathed how spoiled he was and how he was able to manipulate my parents into doing anything for him. Even though I worked harder in school, got better grades and was overall better behaved, he was still the favorite.
Still, it's because of him that I was able to establish my own independence, learn how to overcome problems and work my way out of many tough situations. His competitive nature always kept me wanting to be better (than myself and him), and even if I didn't always outperform him, I always went above and beyond where I would have without him.
Anyone with siblings has to know the rivalry,the frustrations and the competition that comes simply from being related and raised together. Love or hate your siblings, you are the person you are because of them. Embrace that.
And now, in middle age, I realize I will always beat him in two very important competitions. I will always be younger and I will always have more hair.
Happy 45th Birthday, Bro!
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