If you’ve ever grown up in a big family or not, you may have developed a deep bond with one or more of your siblings. After all family ties run deep and blood is thicker than water.

I’ve always wanted a little brother to spoil, love and to coddle. Just like my older sister did to me. I wanted to inspire him, to teach him how to do things he couldn’t do before and to make him feel safe. It never happened. I’m the youngest of 5 with 3 older sisters and 1 older brother.

However, I was fortunate enough to form a pretty tight bond with my brother when we attended the same college which was over 1,500 miles from our hometown. He took care of me. He looked out for me and brought me into his fold of friends. We played intermural football together. He got to discover who I was, as I always looked up to him in more ways than one.

I cherish those times when our deep bond was becoming forged and strengthened. It does something deep within you that can never be taken or destroyed. It’s a gift of epic proportions. It’s life-changing.

It’s family.