Best-Friend

I think about time, and all the forms it takes: days, weeks, months, and years. As I look back on my years there’s one thing constant, one thing I am growing more appreciative of, my family. Yesterday is my best friends, and more importantly my sister’s, birthday and when I think of our history, our love, I feel empowered with a better sense of my own identity. So much of myself I find in her image, her path, her experiences. My choice in Florida State University, my use of writing as an outlet of expression, and even the positivity that I speak into my life are all things I’ve coined from her in some capacity. My sister never just took me as a younger brother, instead she saw me as her competent, as her equal, which helped mold much of who I am today.

In Peru, while I connect with other volunteers, share experiences, and make some life-long friends, I am increasingly appreciative of the special bond I share with my sister. While I think more about this place, and reflect on how life is so much bigger than what I’m doing at any given moment, I realize that my sense of journey is forged partially through my family dynamics. While in Peru, where everyday seems like a new Journey I can still employ my sisters wisdom. Like that voice in your head that sounds like you I have an assistant, a secondary voice that guides me reminding me of who I am, and what I really want. 

Two very pertinent lessons learned from my role model, my sister, stick out to me. First lesson is remaining calm when dealing with the unforeseen, you never know the challenges you may face, this past week for me it wasn’t a battle with being sick but a spider bite. Having a slight allergy to insect bites made me kind of wonder if I’d die, but that’s where the second lesson helps, never give up faith regardless of your struggle. My sister never lets any obstacle shut her down or strip her of the person she has spent so much time becoming, although we are all hindered in some capacity by the challenges we face. Rene has taught me to be resilient, humble, and most notably conscious. When I look at her celebrating 26 years of life, and think of myself only at 20 I am overwhelmed with happiness at the prospects of my growth, my journey, and the growth that is sure to come in our sibling bond.

Much appreciation for my best friend, Nay

Love

Cheeks