Growing up, I had a handful of older cousins who were all boys (except for one), and considering how close we were all raised together, as years went by, they took it upon themselves to adopt me as their little sister. This meant stalking my every move, making sure I didn't fall off the right path and threatening any boy who ever spoke to me. I stomped my feet sometimes, frustrated with the lack of social freedom.

But I'll tell you what, these boys always had my back. From teaching me how to fight to teaching me to stand up for myself, they made it very clear: as long as they were around, I'd never have to fight my battles alone. Most of the time I wouldn't even have to get my hands dirty because well, they took care of anyone who hurt me.

Now we're all adults and would you believe it, they're still doing what they do? Except now with a little more distance between us. Some of us have moved away, moved back and moved away again. Some of us are deployed or married or stationed in the middle of Nowhereville, Arizona. And then some of us are protecting our family from up above. But each year, at least once a year, we all find ourselves under the same roof once again, and I'll tell you what, I live for these moments, not just when my boys are home but when we're all home.

2015 wasn't always so kind to me and I'll be honest, sometimes I've felt pretty low and alone, but when that time of the year rolls around and everything falls back into its original place, I feel unbreakable. I feel safe again knowing that even though we're adults now and we live with miles and miles between us, everything is exactly the same. I'm still their baby cousin and they're still going to protect me. Knowing two of them are out there defending our country scares me and calms me at the same time because I know if they protect America like they did me, this country is going to be just fine.

I can still count on my five guys to protect me from any harm that might come my way. When I want to cry or when I feel lost, I know I have five big brothers I never asked for that will be there for me the second I call. I know I have that with everyone in my family and this idea of having these people no matter what is—well, it's a blessing. The holidays, for me, aren't about the gifts or the food or the TV marathons, they're about having every person I need under the same roof and being reminded I'll never be alone. They're about knowing a love bonded by blood, an unconditional, never-ending love that I can always count on.

Mhalkita pamilya.

Xoxo,

Bug

Rest easy GDM. I love and miss you so much, I promise I'm going to help take care of your princess just like you did me.