A very happy birthday

Ever since I was born there was only one person I wanted to be like. So much so that I would hideout and cut my hair shorter in the bathroom, much to my mother’s protest, just so I could look as cool as him. I spent a lot of time as a young child following him around constantly pestering him and his friends. As we got older he went to high school and university and due to the large age gap between us I saw less of him but somehow we ended up starting at the same university many years later; myself doing my BBA and him doing his MBA. Upon graduating I joined a startup he founded and for two years was fortunate to spent every day and almost 85% of my time with him.

Most would say I love my big brother. I would say I idolized him. If you know my brother you can easily see why. Asides from being a great brother, he is an amazing person. He’s the most thoughtful and understanding person I know. He goes out of his way to make people feel important in whatever crazy and unique way he can think of. Among my favourite of his characteristics, he always does what is right. Even when the temptation is strong, you will never see him back down from his moral compass. Oh and he is inspiring, I love that about him. I am always easily inspired by him, but I admire how easily he is able to inspire others as well. This unique ability of his is even further enhanced by his great speaking skills and clear thinking.

In times where I’ve fallen down or lost my way, my brother is the first person to come and put me back on the right path. I remember a time in high school when I was really bummed out and he sent me an email from university. He shared with me a story of a prophet who was continuously pushed down by the people around him but kept getting up and fighting. At the end of his letter he said that one day we were going to rock this world together. I’ll always remember that email, in fact I printed and framed it so I could have it by my bed for future reading whenever I was feeling low.

Ever since I was younger he has been trying to make himself a better person, as well as others around him. In the past few years he has been teaching me how to be a better learner, teacher and friend. Truth be told, my brother is much more than a brother to me. He’s a work partner, co-conspirator, partner in crime, a teacher and most importantly, my best friend.

So here’s to you Adil. To the countless memories we have and the many more we are going to make. Happy birthday brother bear. I couldn’t have asked for a better brother and I’m lucky to have someone like you in my life.

Love always,

Your little sister