My Brother

April 15, 2009. My only surviving brother and sibling celebrates his 35th birthday today ( surviving, because I always count the first born my parents lost through a miscarriage who was identified as a boy. )I've always wondered what he would be like if he were alive.

My brother serves as a voice in my head when I need to hear an audacious fiery idea to kick me to dive into great risks or opportunities when it comes to self-growth. I have always associated my brother with a centeredness that's focused on achieving once goals and believing in oneself. His demands on high quality and excellence is in fact, very impressive. He is an inspiration when it comes to his focus and dedication in achieving goals that he sets for himself.

I still remember vividly how he emphasized on "state-of-the art" resumes and power dressing that he thought I must consider. After all, it benefitted my career. It's actually exciting to have that volcanic force in our family, it fuels me especially when I need to "sell" myself. I see my brother's face in my head just when I'm about to conduct a workshop or give a speech in front of a huge crowd. I remind myself of my brother and then I hear words like " remember who you are ". He never said that to me, but that's how his presence in my life feels like. He actually would say something like "Remember, you are a VILLAREAL!" ( hilarious, but I dig what he means even if it does not have anything to do with my cultural and genetic roots)

Happy birthday, To!