Matthew, (Mattchew)

Every girl wants a brother whether they say it or not. I was fortunate enough to only live 15 months of my baby life before you came into the world. Growing up with you was half painful but the rest was a blessing. You broke my toys and did the typical annoying little brother crap that now means nothing. there were times when I did not want to be associated with you because you were that nuisance of a being to be when i was five. Every where mom and dad took us strangers thought we were twins. It didn’t help when mom wanted to dress us similarly. What really irked me is when some one would think that you were older- ohhhhh that made me mad

Kids in school would also come up to me and ask if I was Matthew Hermann’s sister. I took this flatteringly - hoping that you were talking about me in a good way. Although it would become annoying when I heard it three times a week from strangers. I would then respond to the question- “no I am not his sister, he is my brother.” it makes sense if you don’t think about it. Growing up with you so close in age I got to have a friend to play video games with when it was raining or someone who was down to watch Lion King again and again- until the VCR broke. We were basically the same age so almost everything that you were interested in I was too. And vise-versa. Thank you for being that protective ‘older’ brother at times but damn you for acting like a little annoy brother for the rest. I guess that is just in your DNA though, Its ok, I know I am the mom of a sister too. You are my big little brother and I am so happy of everything you have accomplished! If I listed everything I am proud you have done, this article would go on for days. But your academics, athletic skills and kindness for others have to be my top three. Proud sister moment when I got to travel to see you play lacrosse against WVU and you saved nearly every shot on goal against you! You can bet both sides of your ass I got snapchat ready when I saw you walking onto that field and into the goal!! Keep up what you are doing Matthew, I love you! Good luck in Ireland this summer with your internship.

Brother Brent

“No thats not my boyfriend and me in the picture, thats my older brother, Brent”

“Well not brother, but brother- it’s hard to explain”

This always leave my friends in confusion. let me clear it up.

No it not biological.

It not a step brother.

Nor a adopted or foster situation.

….We grew up together and I know him as a older brother.

Your mother is best friends with mine and we were ‘forced’ to hang out every Saturday night, while they rocked out to ACDC, Nickelback and Led Zeppelin music videos having a drink or two. While we were outside playing ghosts in the graveyard, basketball or inside making forts, we got closer and began to just accept another as family. I know your mother as my second mom and the one I can feel safe going to when I can’t always go to mine. Only child syndrome has her craving a second half child (Matthew and I). Your 80s loving father is also someone who is always so mellow and sees the best and reasonable, you can learn from him!! Thank you for sharing them btw.

You know I would do anything for you as if you were my own biological brother. That one particular event that happened in 8th grade made our relationship the strongest it ever was. And it grew from there. Thank you so much for standing up for me, those kids honestly made that day one of the worst days of my life (not exaggerating). Despite our different friend groups in high school, we still go to the beach together and take boat rides during the summer. Our class just knew us as the two unrelated people that were kinda related, our friends just thought we were 1/2 siblings based on all the photos Mamma Kim posts of us! I truly think we ended up fooling some of our classmates. But thanks for being the ears when I need to rant about the rents and understanding why I am (not) over exaggerating

Because of you I got to grow up with a older brother and got that life long friend.

Thank you both. You two are the most impartant men my age.