This poem is written for and dedicated to my brother Andrés Fernandez. He has been an inspiration and a guiding light in my life. His unconditional love for me ignited my passion to write what my lips can't express, but what my heart deeply feels. His belief in me motivated me to travel this journey of finding who I am. No amount of words can ever express my deepest gratitude for what he has done for me. Thank you Andrés for believing in me and for giving me your love. I LOVE YOU!           "My Brother's Love "          Listen to the echoes of my whispers as I gently hold your hand, Listen to the loving story I must tell you for I know you will truly understand… We grew up in a very large family five boys and three girls to be exact, Life wasn’t always easy for our parents, yet they struggled to keep the family in tact… I am the sixth child of the family, Andrés is the youngest of us all, I am the big sister that watched over him & protected him, for he was just too small… With only five years between us and of course, me being the older one, I tried to set a good example for him, so life could be filled with some kind of fun… There were times when he was mischievous and was told not to climb that tree, Never listening to the warnings of falling for he would always say, “oh, not me’… One day he slipped and fell from that tree and down to the dirt he went, Remembering the warnings of falling he knew our mother would not be content… He didn’t break any bones that day, but his body was as stiff as can be, As much as it scared us to watch him we sat and laughed, ‘oh not me, not me’… If there was one thing in life we learned it was to always laugh and smile, Playing jokes on each other was hilarious and believe me, it was all worthwhile… A child who was once mischievous has grown up to have such deep passion, He gives of himself unconditionally and illuminates a loving compassion... My brother stands proud of who he is, something no one can ever replace, He laughs and cries like the rest of us but will always stand tall and full of grace... When he smiles he radiates sunshine, his eyes sparkle when he smiles, His heart is filled with golden treasures and never hesitates to go that extra mile… He is like a polished, glowing diamond a gem that is so rare to find, He is unique and special to those around him and a treasure to them in their mind... He once told me to take a look at myself and never settle for second best, Believing in me has changed my life & his words in my heart will forever rest… My brother has been an inspiration to me he’s been a guiding light in my heart, He’s held my hand during times of sadness, & given me a love that will never fall apart... How do I ever repay my brother Andrés for giving me a love that is honest and true, I want him to know that he is special to me and I will always return that love to him too... We’ll travel this journey as brother and sister with guidance from God above, Our relationship will remain strong and steady for I will always have, “My Brother’s Love “ Estella F. Saldivar 6-11-06 © copyright Piano Music: Composed & played by me, Estella F. Saldivar It was specifically composed and dedicated to my brother Andrés. Next Poem Standing Proud Main Page Email: EFSaldivar@aol.com