Oh, Brother....

It really sucks when someone you love dearly leaves. It's a bittersweet moment. Of course, you know the person has to leave for the sake of becoming an adult, growing to be a wonderful person, and finding their place in life but it still hurts. Especially when you define the person as family but in reality you're not connected by blood. I believe these relationships play an important part in our lives and sometimes...the person of whom who is not biologically your brother but thought of as one is more connected to you then those who are biological.

Saying goodbye to a brother is the hardest part of all. Including the fact that I have no brother but he has taken the place of the brother I never had. Sort of like the saying "brother from another mother".

This person meant very much to me. Although I will not state his name "brother" will have to do or something along the lines of that.

My brother is a solid rock in faith. He strives to do all things through Christ and may I state he does a mighty fine job at it. He held our youth group together and was a true friend to each and every one of us. God was ready for him to move on with his life and become an even greater person in his faith. And through his process I KNOW he will succeed. I pray for him everyday. God grant him the serenity to accept the people he cannot change; the courage to change the ones he can; and the wisdom to know the difference.

Now, let me fill you in on a bit of background info.

He and I were not friends in the beginning. To tell the truth I was overly jealous of him. I felt he stole my sister away from me and the only way I knew how to deal with it was to treat him with utter disrespect and sharpness. I treated him like crap to say the least.

I highly regret the way I treated him for the first few years but I just couldn't get over myself. I was so ignorant and stupid. I think back now on the years I wasted and regret fills my heart. Knowing now that he treats my sister with nothing but love and respect gives me great joy. Through the slow process of excepting him I soon grew to love him dearly (as a brother, people). He is the brother I never had and I love him very much.

Good luck in your future brother. Stay true to your faith and God will take you far. "But those who trust in the Lord will find strength. They will soar high like wings on eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." - Isaiah 40:31.

God Bless! God knows the plans he has for you.