A token of appreciation for someone who has always been my 'someone to count on'.

Brother. A word that I have not been accustomed to for almost 18 years of my life. I was not born with brothers. There are no male cousins in my life for me to call a brother or for me to annoy with love. I have a sister whom I love more than words can say and a handful of cousin sisters who some I love and some I don't have much to say about. I don't come from a perfect extended family, as you can see.
Family to me means my mum, dad, sister and Ruby and Dino. They are the ones that I truly trust and whom I know will never give up on me. In the midst of believing in that, I met someone very special who walked into my life casually, and decided to shower me with love. Why he did that and continue to do that is still a big mystery to me. We are not tied by blood but he is someone who has shown me the true meaning of brother. He is not afraid to tell me when I am wrong and he never gave up on me. I can honestly say that even if I had brothers of my own, it is still unsure that they would love me as much as he does. For the last 3 years of my life, I have had a baby brother who listened when I crapped, who wiped away my tears when I cried and who told me that I am stronger than anything the world throws my way. It is honestly a blessing to have met someone who cares for me the way he does. Here's to my baby brother who turns 21 today. I love you so much. This one is for you.
I want to thank you for the times you called me up to check on me.
The times you looked at me and told me to always count on you.
And for the times you stood by your words.
For the times you told me that I might not know what God has planned for me, but that it would always turn out good.
For the times you listened when I talked about how unfair life is.
For the times you helped me up when life knocked me down.
For the times you dealt with my familial problems.
For the times you gave me your time.
I want to thank you for who and what you have been to me.
A friend.
A guidance.
A light at the end of the tunnel
A person to believe, trust and count on
and a baby brother to annoy with love.
But most importantly, I want to thank you for calling me "akka" and actually treating me like one.
So, as you turn 21, i want to wish you the very best in life. You deserve it. Happy birthday Swaran!