I've come to discover that the hardest thing in life isn't climbing out of that seemingly bottomless pit of a problem all by yourself. Rather, having to stand on the sidelines and watch someone you care about climb up alone, knowing there is nothing you can do to help them.

I think my troubles always seem to go in a full circle and land back on square one. Except in life, we never really get to collect two hundred as we pass go yet again. How do you help someone who doesn't want to be helped? You can't. Well, that's what experience and life tells us that is. But does that mean you should stop trying? When does a parent give up on their child, when does a friend stop being a friend and what does a sister stop caring about her brother? The answer? Never.

So I guess for the rest of my life, or at least until he climbs out of this current hole, it will continue to affect me and I will continue to be worried. It's frustrating how little control I have over my own life and even more frustrating how little I can do for him. Everyone comes to me for answers I don't have. They come to me for advice I am not qualified to give.

So where does that leave me? Right where I've always been. Here, in my room, powerless and just a little too human. I wish I could save him. And her, and them, but no matter how many shooting stars I find that ability will never be within my grasp.

I'm upset that I can't do anything. I want to help little brother, but will you let me help you?