A Tribute to Brothers Everywhere

Few people can truly understand what you went through growing up. Although many people have had childhoods in the same country, religion, and generation as you, none have truly experienced what you've experienced. The only people who can truly relate to you are your siblings.

From the cities you've lived in, to the chores you were required to do, your brother and sister are the ones that can relate. They've known the pets, they've learned how to deal with mother's anger, and they've discovered the secrets to getting along with your family. Siblings are truly amazing people like none other.

This article will talk a little bit about brothers, and why they're worth keeping in the long run.

• Mario Brothers
• Cain & Abel
• Jacob & Esau
• Wright Brothers
• Kennedy Brothers
• Marx Brothers
• Warner Brothers
• Parker Brothers
• Ringling Brothers
• Wilson Brothers
• Erich Brothers

Having a brother provides you with the following:

• A great friend.
• A terrible enemy.
• Someone who's always got your back.
• An education in regards to diplomacy.
• Someone to learn from.
• A different perspective from someone who understands you.
• A competitor who pushes you.
• A better (hopefully) reputation.
• Someone to change the world with.

There are many things that one can do with a friend or other family member, but doing them with a brother is just legendary! Although a brother can be the most annoying thing in the world at times, at other times he is by far the greatest. Here are some things that make brotherhood great.

Getting in Trouble

If you've had a brother, you've definitely fought. When this kid that you're stuck with for nearly your entire life does something completely wrong, you know that it's time for a smack down. And the fight starts! Sometimes it even starts as play, but once someone takes it a step to far, the battle is on.

That is, until mother pulls you apart, still clawing at each other with great voracity, and sits you in chairs facing each other - saying that you have a 10 minute time out. The time out starts with you angrily making faces at each other... Then your brother sticks out is tongue at you. You yell to mom about the injustice and both of you have to sit for another 5 minutes. Mom then leaves the room talking about how terrible her sons are. As she leaves, your brother imitates mom's last comment and you chuckle. You then attempt to get as much out of the chair as possible while still "sitting" in it, and your brother laughs. By the time the 15 minutes is up, you are both hilariously rolling on the floor, best friends again.

Spying on People

Whether it's sneaking out of your room after you've been told to go to bed, hiding from the neighbors as you practice your James Bond-like abilities to stealthfully maneuver, or thinking that you've actually stumbled upon some terrible villain in the middle of the forest, spying is a huge part of brotherhood. The ability to use team work to "out wit" your opponents is a key element to successful brotherhood - especially when the opponents are mom and dad.

Building Things

There's a reason people know about the Wright Brothers, Warner Brothers, and other such Bros. It's because when you have two great minds that have come from the same place work together, magic happens! Ideas that start small quickly grow as both brothers feed off of each others enthusiasm.

Brothers don't even need blueprints to make things. Model airplanes?! Please, we'll put one together out of cardboard. BUY a toy gun from the store?! This stick works just as well. Start a farm (garden), defeat the enemy in a video game, attempt to build a hot air balloon or parachute from the roof - these are all accomplishments that come from brothers willing to work together against all odds (and common sense).

Dealing with Mom and Dad

There's something to be said about those people that brought you into the world. Especially if they have to deal with several of you. After all, you know the trouble you've been. But it works both ways.

A brother is someone who, when mom or dad get upset and friends start feeling awkward, simply looks at you with the "whoops-bad-thing-to-say-we-are-stuck-listening-to-this-again-wish-we-had-thought-this-out-ahead-of-time-we-appear-to-be-in-trouble-but-it-was-still-fun" face.

Although they can frequently be a pain in the rear (especially when you're young), a brother truly is a valuable part of ones life. While friends come and go, a brother is someone who's always around.

Especially over the last couple of years, as we've both attended the same college, I have grown to realize what a great friend, educator, and leader my younger brother is. I admire him, enjoy his company, and realize how great it is to have someone around who shares the same passions for making the world a better place - one crazy idea at a time!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEVE!

It's been fun, miserable, and all around legendary having you around for the last 22 years! Stay classy.

I hope that everyone who reads this article has had as many amazing experiences with their brothers, sisters, or tight friends that I have had with both my brother and sister. Life is so much better when you have people to get into trouble with, get in fights with, and team up with to convince mom to buy ice cream.

Here's to brothers everywhere! (And we'll talk about the awesomeness of sisters another time).