On January 26th, my little brother turned BIG 30!! It’s hard to fathom that the brother you’ve been watching grow up is now a full-blown adult! I mean, yes, he’s been an adult for a while now, but 30 just seems to give it a whole different meaning. My brother was almost a 2-month preemie when he was born, and the continuity of his life was in question for a long time. He was a fragile child, who got sick every time there was temperature fluctuation, riddled with seizures, endless medical testing, and medications to keep him sustainable. For a while, that is all I had remembered of my childhood – following to his doctor appointments and everyone being all hands on deck whenever he fell ill. There was even one year where he started having a seizure during the curtain call of a high school musical I was part of in which I found out by a paramedic on the scene. I still can’t forget that moment because it all started because he was so excited to see me on stage during that said curtain call. His seizures were triggered by many things and excitement was one of them.
That same boy, whom I have had countless memories to recall related to his fragile childhood and teenage years, grew up to a fine man. After I went through my selfish/bratty teenage years (his health was the center of my parents’ attention a lot of times), I worked hard to be a woman that he can be proud of. You see, Wonho has ALWAYS looked up to me. He always channels a different smile to me that others don’t get to witness; not even my parents. I don’t know what I did to deserve that kind of love. When life seems difficult and people be assholes, I am reminded of my brother’s soul that remains pure and kind. He always sees everyone, and especially me, in the best way possible. Ever since I left home for college 12 years ago, it got harder for me to celebrate his birthday with him on his actual birthday. When I got married, got a full-time job, and moved farther away with my husband, it became even harder to congratulate him on another year of life. That’s why it became my mission last year to actually show up on his birthday and doing so for his 30th birthday seemed fitting for the rare opportunity.
While I wanted to surprise him completely, he did get a heads up a few weeks before my arrival so he doesn’t get another seizure from a massive surprise. 😉 We spent the few days we had together eating delicious food (things he hasn’t tried before) and exploring the city limit of Buffalo. We explored the botanical garden, which is all indoor (rightfully so for Buffalo, NY), and helped him learn about the ecological diversity that can be found on Earth. I hope that one day I will have a chance to travel with him around the world.
Welcome to the 30s, my brother! It is a privilege to be your only sibling and your best friend. I love you!
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