Siblings — When they grow up.

How Grown-Up Siblings Must Feel When They Meet in the Course of Their Independent Lives — A Reflection on Connection and Growth

The Bond of Siblings

Growing up, I had a sibling — a younger brother. He was my best friend, the one with whom I shared imaginary castles filled with video games and a fridge stocked with all our favorite foods. We even had a robot butler to cater to our every need — we were quite thorough, you see.

Every evening after school, when my mum would take a nap and my father was at work, we enjoyed our golden hour. It was a time and space where no one existed but us and all the magical creatures we conjured. Sure, we fought sometimes. We were WWE fans, after all, and we had our own fighter trade names: Zimbo-Zimbi. Being the elder, I always won — until that fateful day when I didn’t. That was the day I stopped playing fighting games altogether.

In a nutshell, I had a very happy childhood, and I’m proud of how joyful it was.

The Sad Reality

The saddest part of this whole deal is that my brother, my partner in everything, doesn’t remember any of it. Partly, it’s because he was too young, but I suspect he has blocked out some memories and refuses to share.

I was always a bit of a loner growing up, making life decisions based on what those around me knew best. Everywhere I went, I felt a peculiar sense of not belonging. Somehow, I survived each time. Each time, I promised myself that I would anchor my brother’s life. His path would be better guided than mine. Ironically, when the time came, I was so engrossed in enjoying my youth that I left my brother behind in the shadows. Even when he reached out, I felt this nagging sense of not being there for him — of falling short in being useful or even supportive.

The Silence Between Us

If I recall correctly, there was a long stretch of our lives when we didn’t speak to each other. Calling your brother or sister isn’t mandatory, after all. We learned about each other through our parents. I suppose those were the years when he needed me the most. Sometimes I think that, when it comes to our inner worlds, he and I are very much alike. We both took this path from our father, embarking on similar internal journeys.

When I found him again on a much more stable shore for both of us, I realized he had become his own man — someone I could look up to. Now, when we meet, we connect on shared interests and comfortable silences. Yet, there are also silences pregnant with guilt for not saying enough and for taking each other for granted.

New Beginnings

When he got married, he gained a new playmate. Together, they have dreams they want to pursue. What makes me happiest is how they’ve aligned their paths and moved forward as a single unit. They even represent each other seamlessly. I can’t emphasize enough how proud I am of this man I call my brother for the partnership he has built.

Even as kids, we were great at inventing new games. Now, we have new versions of those games. Every year, we compete to see how many books we’ve read. We share movies we love and discuss our feelings about them. Then there’s “Rick and Morty” and “Gravity Falls,” which create a glorious world uniquely ours. So much so that when I teach my kid the “Hula Hula Ladki” dance, it’s only my brother and I who know what it means to us!

The Journey of Growth

Reflecting on our journey, I realize how much we’ve both grown. Life has a way of pulling us in different directions, yet the bond remains. It’s a reminder that while we may drift apart, the connection is never truly severed.

I often wonder how grown-up siblings feel when they reunite. Is it nostalgia? Is it joy? Or perhaps a mix of both? For me, it’s a blend of emotions. I feel grateful for the memories we created and hopeful for the future we can still build together.

Embracing Our Differences

As we navigate our independent lives, we’ve learned to embrace our differences. My brother has his own interests and passions, and I have mine. Yet, we find common ground in our shared experiences. It’s fascinating how life can lead us down different paths while still allowing us to reconnect.

I cherish the moments we share now. Whether it’s discussing a book we’ve read or reminiscing about our childhood adventures, each interaction strengthens our bond. It’s a beautiful reminder that family ties can endure the test of time.

Conclusion: The Power of Connection

In the end, the journey of siblinghood is a profound one. It’s filled with ups and downs, laughter and tears. But through it all, the connection remains. I’m grateful for my brother and the unique relationship we share. As we continue to grow and evolve, I look forward to the adventures that lie ahead, knowing that we’ll always have each other’s backs.

So, how do grown-up siblings feel when they meet? Perhaps it’s a little bit of everything — nostalgia, joy, and a renewed sense of connection. And isn’t that what makes life so beautifully complex?

Siblings — When they grow up by Magicthreadworks