Inspirational letter for my Brother on his Special Occasion

Inspirational letter to my Brother Matthew

When my brother was completing his Confirmation, the woman who was running the program was very thorough and serious about her role and what the children were learning. She did an excellent job to run the program and the class. The family received a letter and, parents and sponsors (thats me) were asked to give him an inspirational letter that he would read on his retreat. This is what I wrote....

For the purpose of this letter you should know he is my brother, 20 years and 5 days my junior. I was in the room when he was delivered (as lamaze coach), I was the first person in our family to hold him, I filled out his birth certificate, and he is so much more to me than my brother!

My father is remarried, and my stepmom and I are very close as well.  She knows me since I was a little girl and luckily we've stayed close. I grew up as an only child, a happy but lonely childhood. So, when I found out she was expecting I was so incredibly joyful. I was attending Junior College and deciding where to go "away" to school for my Bachelors Degree and beyond... But LITERALLY that night it all changed. I decided to continue school and live at home. (For the sake of story telling the night I found out my step-mom was expecting I had to tell someone. I couldn't call my mom, just be because she wouldn't share that same level if enthusiasm. And I discovered I really had no one who would've shared that level if enthusiasm. (I'm so glad I had 3 kids JUST so they have someone to share these moments with, on their level, from a shared background and history.) 

I drove to my uncle's house (where I'd actually start living and renting an apartment a short two years later) to share the news. He was happy for me, but not nearly at my level of joy. (In all fairness I cry when I'm happy when my kids get something cool, like a movie pass, or off to pumpkin picking.)

That's some background. I did some research on "Inspirational Letters" and googled terms along those lines, but I wanted to share my enthusiasm for him as a person, someone I loved (more like a mothers love then a sisters), and I treasure him. How could I convey that importance? 

I also held values and beliefs about what family is and how ti find your purpose that varied a little from his parents... My brother and I have talked about this. But this was a moment to solidify our shared thoughts and feelings on the values we had discussed so many times.

Their were lots of poems, generalities on what to include, but each reference gave ME inspiration for my final letter.

The letter was handwritten on white paper and glued to a "fancy paper" for a nice handmade, time invested, touch."

"All About Matthew."

You are important to me and here's why...

I was planning college, going of to school, life - at that time - was all about me, and when I found out your mom was pregnant I was  thrilled because I always wanted a brother or sister. You were so important before you were even born. That moment changed my life because I knew I wanted to have a relationship with you. 

Age 2 running in the yard, giving hugs and kisses. I saw you at least once a week for years - to be sure - we would know eachother well.

Spending time with you growing up filled a big gap in my life - sharing things with someone you love, secrets from parents (even if it was just eating ice cream before dinner) was amazing. And you were always so happy to share with me - dinosaurs and books - letting me read to you and snuggle at bedtime.

Do you remember our family trip to Canada and talking about the stars?

It was always a special part of my day to see you. I hope you have felt that I always wanted you to be a big part of my life.

So when it was time for me to have my own kids, you are apart of the inspiration for my decision to stay home and raise them. You grew up so fast - I didn't want to miss a moment of the magic we shared  with my kids too. I see how important a relationship is with the people we love. With teaching kids everything we know to give them the best chance in life.

...  And now, since you know how important you are to me, I want to share with you some important things I've learned to help me in life... And to help you be the Man you are meant to Become!!

...I want you to continue to be who you are, and don't be afraid to push yourself to be the best you can. I want you to push boundries and dream big because so far you have shown you really can do anything.

... Completely immerse yourself in new ideas and things that interest you, it's great how you keep learning new things and really LOVE learning. I envy that your so young with a whole life - to dream and create - in front of you.

... I know when we hear "thank you's" it can make us shy or feel weird, that's normal. But still it is really important to tell the people we care about how we feel.

... You have great enthusiasm, and sense of humor, you are quick to learn new things, you are so lovable, caring to your family and friends, and very generous. Don't ever stop these things!

There's a few things I learned growing up from those around us:

-- When you know something people around you know that you do - feel secure in that.

-- Always give people a chance, especially those you love or care about. That means sometimes giving a 2nd chance too.

-- Remember people are usually more good then bad, but try to learn something from everyone you meet, even if it's what not to do. Be sure to stop and listen most of the time.

-- Remember lying is always wrong, especially to those we love. The few times I've lied in my life it has been to try and protect someone's feelings, which I felt was more important then the lie. Being upfront about the issue is sometimes a better choice!

-- When u get a compliment just say thank you, all of us get uncomfortable so just having something to say makes taking praise easier. Smile and say Thanks!

-- Keep pushing boundries and limits, keep building with legos, keep writing and aspiring to be an author, if you follow your passion you will be successful. And most importantly happy with yourself.

-- In life, with growing technology and daily tasks keeping us busy, it's hard to remember to tell the people we care about why their important. Sometimes saying what we feel is hard. But more important to say something then keeping it to yourself. So I wanted to be sure to take the time to tell you how important you are to me.

Sometimes we will argue, and as you get older and form your own opinions we might not see eye to eye. But that's ok! We may differ, that's normal, but know I'm always listening to you and care about how you feel. And I'll want to hear what your opinion is.

Family is important because those are the people you are tied to in your life. We are rubber bands, and even when we stretch and go far away from each other, we always spring back to each other. I'm am happy you are a part if my life and I look forward to you "Uncle Matt" and hopefully my sons having a similar relationship. I hope they can learn from you and the things you love.

I am proud to walk as a companion in your journey thru faith.

Know that I will always love and care about you no... matter... what...

I love you always! 

Make mistakes. Breathe, reflect and Laugh.Out.Loud.