I was 10 years old when my youngest brother was born (we were watching the series finale of Full House when my mom went into labor, "how rude!!"). I struggled for years to have a close relationship with him. I have found that since being married, Husband has helped bridge the gap and has really helped foster a relationship between my baby brother and I.
My baby brother isn't such a baby anymore. He got his drivers license last month, which absolutely blows my mind. He has a quick wit and stores facts in his brain to pull out and impress everyone. It has been a joy to get to know him so much better in the past year or so. He is darling with my boys and always reminds me to "love mercy". :)
He went on vacation with us last week, which was so fun considering it was a family trip with my in-laws. It was so much fun to spend intensive time with him for a week, living in close quarters. We even jumped off a cliff together. I think it's those moments in life that bond you together. Those are the things you talk about for years. Those moments are the ones that grow rosier as time goes on.
I am so thankful that Husband thinks making time for my brother is a top priority, and that he is willing to use our resources to forge a deep and lasting relationship with him. It has been one of the biggest joys in my life in the past few years.
Sibling relationships change and grow throughout the years. They can be contempuous or life-giving–every situation is different. However, I think seeking to deepen and strenghten the sibling relationships in your life can be one of the greatest risks with the greatest potential for reward of your life.