Dear Sam,

I was 3 years old when you were born and although I was too little to remember full details, what I do recall is being lucky to have you as my little brother (even though you were a pain in the ass.) Growing up, we were complete opposites. While I was the calm, concentrated, and always had the mentality of making everyone "like me", you were always the crazy, hot headed boy who was also the number 1 headache of our family. Everyone signified you as mom and dad's "trouble child" but no one never really took time to see what was so special to have you as my baby brother, therefore I am writing this letter, hoping that people can get a sense of what it is like to be your older sister but, most importantly to remind you of how special you are to me.

People including our own family, criticize and bash on you causing you to believe all these lies about yourself. "You're not going to graduate high school because you're not smart," "You take after your real dad," or "why can't you be like your friends who are playing really good in football?" You think I do not know how you feel but, I do. I've been there and I know it sucks. As a good sister let me tell you what's so unique about having a baby brother like you.

You are my only brother. My only blood brother. What I've gone through as a child, no one will get but you. We've seen domestic violence happen with our very own eyes as infants. We've seen our mother happy as ever when she was asked to marry our Dad---who we are both blessed to have in our life; to raise us and to love us as his own. We've both seen how it is for our mother to work 3 jobs and father work 14 hour shifts per day. You were there when we legally changed our name and had the blessing of having Afungia as our last name but most importantly, you were there when I expected someone to be there, and they were nowhere to be found.

You were my brother when I wanted you to be and, you were my sister when I needed you to be. Although you have the most hottest temper ever, you are the most loving person I know. You hate showing feelings but when you did, you loved me 100%. Outside of hustling in the streets and hanging out with your boys, you always made sure family was well taken care of. So many people call you this and that, but you always held your head high, turned your other cheek and continued to be humble, which not a lot of people can do.

In May, you are going to be a father to a beautiful baby girl and, although people will talk and continue to stereotype you as this "bad" person, just remember that what God's sees, is all that matters. You will be the best dad your daughter could ever ask for. So as you grow and mature through the journey of being a parent, look back and recognize of how tremendous you are as a grandson, friend, son, and brother.

 I love you Sammy.

Sincerely,

Your Big Sis