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| My younger brother |
We were born just a couple of years apart so you could just imagine the tremendous sibling rivalry in the offing and that's how it was during our younger years.
When we were in elementary, there were plenty of fisticuffs. Dad even bought a pair of gloves and allowed us to spar for a round or two but after it's done, we'd play tag, football, "teks," jolens," "tumbang preso," and "sipa" with other kids.
When our family moved to the province, we had those long walks whenever mom would send us on errands. We shared laundry duties and other household chores. At times, we gathered firewood and picked unripe mangoes for mom much to the consternation of the lot/tree owners.
When we reached our teens, that's when the serious rivalry started.
Sometimes, a mere shoving match during a basketball pick-up game would escalate into a mano a mano. A tease would be taken as a serious insult, a slight would progress further until we're set apart. We've had some serious scuffles merely because of some snide remarks or jokes taken out of context. In retrospect, I guess it's all part of growing up.
The one interest that we have in common is music. I'm glad to have introduced him to the music of the 80's particularly Billy Joel and who else but Rick Springfield. Man, he sure had that Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet cassette tape worn out!
By the time we were old enough, we left the comforts of home and started to work for a living. Things have changed by then, for the better of course.
I used to frequent that burger joint where he used to be a supervisor to kill time after a day of job hunting. When I was a waiter at a folk house, I'll never forget the night he unexpectedly showed up. I forced him to have a drink. Truth was I just wanted him to stay a bit longer.
When he tied the knot, I was among the groomsmen, veil if not mistaken.
When his first born came to this world, my parents and I were there with him to celebrate that momentous occasion. Finally there's a baby girl in the family!
When our house was sold, we were forced to live in a single roof with our parents and the two of us never had any arguments or disagreements.
Then, he left the country to work overseas.
When he returned home ten years ago, mom passed away and I thought he'd stay for good but again, he had to leave.
Thanks for everything bro. Now that we're continents apart, all the more I cherish those moments we had as kids, teenagers and adults.
