The Power of Our Words

Fifteen-year-old Vicki and eleven-year-old Michael Haynes were like most brothers and sisters, driving each other crazy, and they both knew exactly what would make the other angry. Vicky recalls her memories: “We used to fight like cats and dogs, especially when our parents were absent. Michael was always interfering in my things and breaking into my room, you know, he was just a typical little brother. “They usually went their separate ways, but one sunny day they decided to walk together to a store - a mart - near their house. They started walking down the dirt road, Michael raising clouds of dust as he kicked rocks along the road. He was babbling non-stop, and for the first time Vicki really listened to him. She looked at his freckled face and the strands of hair falling on his forehead, and his eyes that sparkled as he laughed, and it attracted her. He was truly a wonderful little brother. The way he expressed himself, his sense of humor, and his outgoing personality all heralded the special young man he was becoming. She stopped him and said, “Michael, I have to tell you something. You are the best brother in the world, and I am really lucky.” Because you're my little brother, I just wanted you to know this. She hugged him, then the two continued on their way, forgetting these words as they browsed the displays in the store. Two days later, Michael died in an accident. Vicki remembered those words she said to her brother and was grateful that she had taken the opportunity to tell him how special he was to her before it was too late. From the book 44 Amazing by: Michelle Cox and John Berroden