Growing up as an only child isn’t as thrilling as those with siblings think it is. We may have “more materialistic things”, our own room, or never having to share anything including our parents; however, I do not know an only child that says they wouldn’t have given all of that up for a sibling. I know I would have.

When you are younger, you learn to bring out your inner creative minds and find activities to do alone. The term “imaginary friend” is extremely common in only children since we have no one else to talk to besides our parents. Having no one around every day in similar age begins to be very lonely.

A we grow, we discover being an only child has the perk of our parents being able to spoil us more than if we had siblings. Suddenly this only child thing become a lot more pleasing. This is until you hit the teenage years where you want to go out with friends, drive a car, or have your first boyfriend. You are able to do all of these things, but with your parents attached to your hip 24/7. Parents with only children tend to be more overprotective. Although in the moment only children see this as a negative, eventually as they mature they learn that it was extremely beneficial to them as they grow into a well-grounded individual. Going away to college was a lot easier since it was that time you can finally be independent (of course with daily calls and texts with your parents.)

My first day of college I met Jackson. We sat by each other during orientation and had a small conversation then going our separate ways. A few weeks later we met again to what grew in a very special friendship. Although he gained a brother later in his life by marriage, he still grew up for the most part as an only child. We found our lives very relatable. A days went on, we spent more and more time together. From going to get food, studying at the library, or sitting down a talking for hours about our problems; we were always there for each other. I never thought I could not count on him to support me or offer advice. As soon as I needed him, he was there no matter what.

The best thing about him, is the fact he always gives me his honest opinion. No matter the subject from a guy I am dating, listening to my problems, or to studying for a test; he always gave genuine advice from his heart. There are plenty of the moments where we pick on each other or get mad at each other than five minutes later start talking about something else. He wants the best for me and is protective of me. He treats me exactly like the sister he never had.

Just as he is there for me, I am there for him. From his girl problems, to helping with homework, listening to him, or offering honest advice for his life decisions; I am always there. I am never afraid to tell him exactly how I feel about his choices when he asks my opinion because he knows I want the very best for him just as he wants the very best for me.

Growing up as an only child isn’t an easy journey. I learned that just because they aren’t blood related doesn’t mean you cannot find “sibling like” people. Waking up each day knowing someone is there to support you through everything, protect you, speak up for you, pick on you, offer advice without judging you, or to get food with when you just don’t want to be alone is what it’s like to have a sibling. I know years from now, we will still be in each other’s lives. Thank you for being there for me in the good times (the laughs, the smiles, the fun memories) and thank you for being there in the bad times, never failing to turn my tears into a smile with positive advice. Thank you for being the brother I never had.