I am the second of four children. Our
parents divorced when we were all young, in fact
our mum was left with four children under the
age of five (the youngest two being twins).
When we were growing up there were times that
were quite difficult, there was a lot of sadness
and anger. At the time I was not sure if this
was due to our parents' separation or if it was
because our eldest sibling seemed not to fit
into the family unit as my younger sisters and I
did. (I refer to my brother as an older sibling
because although he was born in a female body he
is now my brother).
When we were in our early twenties we lost
our mother through cancer. Without Mum, the four
of us drifted and we lost contact with our
eldest sibling.
After more than ten years my brother came
back into my life at a time that I really needed
him. Many things in his life had changed. More
than his appearance or the fact that he now had
a wife and young family. He seemed to have
direction but more than anything he seemed at
peace and comfortable with himself. My brother
has come a long way in his journey, he not only
knows who he is, he is also proud to be that
person.
I see my brother now as just my brother with
two kids and a wife who love and care for me as
any brother and sister-in-law would.
I would like to think I am not the person I
was 10-15 years ago. I hope that I am a better
person who has matured and been shaped through
life's experiences.
Although I don't focus on this I feel the
same is true for my brother. However the
challenges he has faced were perhaps more
confronting, probably more lonely.
Having said that, I know I would not have had
a relationship with my older sibling had it not
been for his courage to be who he really is.
I am grateful to him and his family for
bringing so much to me and my family. I consider
myself fortunate to be my brother's sister.
