A letter to my little brother.

My little brother is turning seventeen tomorrow and since he is also clearing high school, I thought I would give him a special gift. I am a writer and the most special gift I thought of giving him is writing him this piece. Help me wish him a happy birthday, may he live really long and I love him; my big sister and I do.
To my little brother:
Happy birthday, you are slowly becoming a man and nothing makes me happier than watching you grow. I never told you this but the happiest day of my life was that day I heard you had broken your voice, watching you grow does not just makes me happy, it makes me proud too. We are very proud of you. As you navigate through life, I want you to always remember certain things:
1. We will always be there for you.
Whatever life brings, we will always be there for you. We may fight, be mad at each other and cut all form of communication but we will always love and care for you.
2. Listen to Ma.
You are slowly becoming a man, we are slowly learning to let you be a man. The world is a very cruel place, you will require more than muscles and intelligence to make it out there. Our mother's second name is wisdom; always remember that.
3. Don't ever be afraid of failure.
I have lived long enough to know that no matter who you are, failure is but a part of life. What matters is the lessons you learn. I believe there is always a lesson to learn in every situation.
4. Put God first.
We were brought up in a christian family, one of the things our mother will constantly tell you to do is putting God first, listen to her.
5. There will be a lot of heartbreaks.
You are finally becoming a man, that also means you will break hearts and your heart will get broken, not just by people but by a good number of things you put your heart in. There will also be girls, and God knows I do not like this particular fact but they will be there. Be very careful, not every girl is worth your sanity and heart. Make sure she is smart( I would like to be able to make a meaningful conversation with her once in a while).
6. Choose your friends wisely.
Your taste of friends has to be impeccable, hang out with losers and you will be the greatest loser. Good friends support you, they correct you when you are wrong and help you become a better person. Good friends do not exploit you, they do not buy you drinks, neither do they encourage you to live a reckless life.

Happy birthday little brother. I love you.