I have two brothers. The older one is Miguel, but I call him Kuya. He went home to the Philippines for the weekend to pick up his family and move them to America. This is one of the biggest moments of my brother’s life, and I’m so proud of him.
The same weekend, I received an unusually sweet message from one of my best friends. He was drinking with my brothers that night, so I instantly knew that Kuya told him something.
I first called my younger brother, Anton, to ask him what kuya could have shared with them. He said that Kuya told them about what I’ve been through these past months, and he teared up when he said that I kept pushing my goals back for my family. Awwwwww kuya 😦
It reminded me of last Thanksgiving. My mom and I were fighting while all of us were on FaceTime. Kuya broke the ice by saying how thankful he is for our mom because without her, we wouldn’t be here in America. He then thanked me for my strength and told me that I’m doing a good job raising his niece. Awwwwwww.
When Anton and I called him, he was too hungover to talk about what he told our friends, LOL. Despite being hungover, he looked so happy. He and his beautiful wife, Merey, were glowing in Joy. Their baby was in between them playing. And they just looked so at peace with each other. Gosh, my heart. They are finally going to be all together for good. They both worked very hard for this moment, and I am so incredibly proud of them.
Kuya is the brother I turn to when I need a higher perspective. He is very smart, straightforward, and honest. We don’t lie to each other. My dad established the importance of trust in us growing up. So we all grew up with a moral compass rooted in integrity, and Kuya, being the eldest, set the best example for Anton and me. So, I call him if I want to hear the truth about a situation. Even if he knows I will disagree, he tells me anyway.
Now, when I need to talk to someone that’s always on my side, no matter what, I call my little brother Anton. Anton is the life of any party. He is hilarious, sweet, and intelligent like Kuya (and me, of course!!).
Last month, I had a fight with my mom (again, lol), and I told Anton about it. The next day, my mom and I made up (as usual), and she told me that Anton had called her to tell her how I felt about what she did. I was so touched by that because Anton is my baby brother, and I should be his protector, and in that little gesture, it’s like he was protecting me. Awwww, Anton.
Oh, to be talked about the way my brothers talk about me in rooms I’m not in. I’m so lucky.
My brothers and I call each other a few times each week. Most days we’ll be laughing throughout the call, making fun of each other’s personal lives or about some random TikTok, and there are some days that the call is calmer. I remember when I was going through a tough time last year, my brothers would check up on me. When Anton asks, “okay ka lang Ate?” , that’s my cue to tell them everything.
They hold space for me to be vulnerable, and release the heaviness I carry. I am so grateful for them. They hold a safe space for me. Even if they’ve seen me at my lowest, they still think I’m the best.
They’re the best too.
Kuya and Anton are going through major transitions this year. Kuya brought his family over from the Philippines, while Anton is graduating from college. I’m so, so proud of both of them. Bravo brothers!! Well deserved!!!
The Whole 9 Yards 
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