Growing up, I’ve always heard that sibling rivalry is alive and well in society. Funny thing is, my brother James wouldn’t hurt a fly or me and is one of the best people anyone could come across.

 

I think I got incredibly lucky.

 

My little brother James turns 18 today in the middle of a global pandemic, the second wave AND Year 12. An experience he will never forget, that’s for sure.

 

Raised in our loving home with a childhood full of amazing experiences, James and I have always been close, but these last few years, our relationship has become particularly strong.

 

Being only 17 months younger than me, he’s always been right behind, trailing along as my sidekick. But, through his late teenage years, he’s really come into his own.

 

A budding musician, he’s found his passion through playing and writing his own songs (@jamespavmusic on Instagram if you want to check him out, he has just released his new song!) and performing on stage.

 

He is driven by his passion and doesn’t let the outside noise affect him. If he loves something, he will do anything in his power to ensure he can do it.

 

James is the kind of guy that has never hurt a soul in his life. He is caring, understanding and laid back- three of his many qualities that I admire and envy regularly. There’s something so impressive about his attitude and the way he can laugh at himself that will always make me proud to call him my brother.

 

And as he becomes a young man, I look back fondly on our movie marathons, Cartoon Network late night viewings, doll house adventures and dressing him up as my own little baby doll.

 

Always a good sport, James.

 

Taylor Swift sums it up perfectly in her song ‘Best Day’ when she says: “God smiles on my little brother…inside and out he’s better than I am…”

 

There couldn’t be a truer line that encapsulates the kind of person James has always been – selfless and unapologetically himself, characteristics that perfectly describe him.

 

When I think about it, our parents grew up with multiple siblings, but in our house, it’s just me and James. Always has been, always will be.

 

And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

 

Because sharing a brother like mine? Yeah, that just wouldn’t work for me.

 

Happy 18th Birthday James.