My story begins in the midst of August 2020, on a Sunday afternoon, when the air was warm with Texas heat and the flowers in bloom in front of our single-story, red brick home. My brother was going out to a jewelry store and said I could go with him. He was about to leave for college, and, because of the pandemic, we were forced to spend time together whilst the world seemed full of chaos.

The store, James Avery, was only seven minutes away from where we lived. We went inside, masks on, a brother and sister ages nineteen and fourteen, as different in age as character. Back then, I was still the girl who looked down as she walked. I think part of me learned to have confidence from him. His stature always reflected his personality–outgoing, self-assured, and assertive.

As he walked around the store for chains and crosses, he asked for my opinion on a few. He seemed pleased with my responses. Once he figured out what he wanted, he asked if I wanted anything. I hesitated. I was surprised at this offer. I knew he had money after working over the summer and all, but usually my brother wouldn’t think to buy me anything unless it was for my birthday, and even then, something only on sale. Nothing was on sale here. I told him I’d like a necklace. He gave me two options to pick from. It wasn’t a hard choice for me. I instantly picked the sterling silver necklace with the word “pray.”  Looking back, I can’t even recall the other option.

Once he bought the precious items and we left the store, it hit me. Esteban bought me my first piece of jewelry with his own money. Esteban has money. He’s going off to college. He’s growing up, he’s grown. Memories flooded my thoughts of the boy my brother has been over the years. Different versions of the same person, same smile, same brown eyes, same laughter, yet subtly changing. My brother was growing up into someone amazing.

He became wise, mature, and passionate about life. He set goals and achieved them, and just when he became someone I admire the most, he was about to leave. As much as I knew I would miss Esteban, I couldn’t help but be proud of him. I felt content knowing that he was ready to leave, that no matter what, he would be okay because it’s just his way of going about life. As we grow, we understand that everyone has a life as real as our own. I’m glad that out of so many people in the world with so many different lives, I get to know a part of my brother’s.

Esteban wasn’t always the guy who knew what to do and give great advice. He learned along the way and taught me as time passed. He still has a long way to go at that, but so do I, and so does everyone else.

The necklace reminds me of the lessons I've learned from the person who bought it for me.  I chose it not because it was flashy or had a jewel; it has neither of those things. I chose it because it reminded me of him, my parents, and myself. Our faith, our hopes and dreams throughout our lives, the very essence of one word, and what it could mean to people.

Pray. “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ '' (1 Thess. 5:16-18). Prayer is about trusting God for all your needs, recognizing He cares for you and making your requests known to Him. I liked the idea of the word around my neck, a souvenir of my past, my brother, my family, and the growth we each experience.

© Gabriella. All rights reserved. If you are interested in quoting this story, contact the national team and we can put you in touch with the author’s teacher.