Today a very special photo popped up in my Facebook memories. My all time favourite picture of me and all my brothers together. It’s hard to look at this image and think another picture will never be taken with all of us together. Not at Mike’s wedding, not at my wedding down the road. Not at birthdays or parties, anniversaries, retirements, births or funerals. It is not fair by any means, but it is something we live with and we will be ok. We will be ok because this picture reminds us of all the love shared between 4 siblings even at such a young age. An age where we undoubtedly argued over the tv remote, or who’s turn it was to do the dishes. Who got to play their music in the car or who was allowed to have friends to the cottage that weekend. I will forever be so blessed that my parents fostered such an amazing relationship between their kids. That amidst raging hormones and testosterone, screaming matches and towel whips, there was still undeniable, irrevocable love.

This picture may mean nothing to you. Or it may bring back the sadness you felt when we lost Thomas almost two years ago. Neither are my intentions. Rather, I hope this picture makes you recognize that blood will always be the closest bond. That your siblings were born to be your best friend and not your worst enemy. Discard any resent of personal or professional success and remember you are YOU because of the relationship you share with your brothers and sisters. It’s the longest relationship you will ever hold, why not work towards making it the best?

The last time I saw Thomas, I told him I loved him. Not out of obligation, or intuition of his fate, but because I wanted to, and I meant it. I always will. So tell your siblings you love them, not only on holidays or special occasions, but as often as you can. One day you may wake up to a phone call, and you’ll have lost your chance forever.

To my brothers, all three of you, thank you for being my best friends, my worst enemies, my toughest competition, and my greatest relationships by far. My life is better because we swim together in the same gene pool.

I’ll love you all forever and always.