Hearing the National Anthem brings a couple of tears to my eyes and I place my hand over my heart with pride. I sing "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue" and "American Soldier" by Toby Keith a little bit louder than my friends. I follow the news regarding our troops with concern.
If you can relate, you must have a family member in the military.
My brother enlisted into the military at age 17 and was shipped off to training two months after his high school graduation. Being a freshman in high school the worst thoughts ran through my head. I worried about him constantly. "What if he gets deployed?" "What if he hates the military life?" "What if his superiors break him?" and most seriously, "What if he dies?"
That's the funny thing, right? Here my brother, made a choice. A decision he thought about his whole life. A choice to go after a life he wanted. This decision of an ultimate sacrifice, knowing the dangers and outcomes that could come with this selection, was made with ease. And me, being the selfish, worry wart I am, I wanted him home instead of going off to this new life. I was blind to his act of bravery and sacrifice, not realizing how amazing he is for making that choice. However, I've realized a few things since that summer when he left.
I am one proud sister.
My goodness, I look up to him so much. I doubt he even realizes the impact he has made on my life. He illustrates bravery and courageousness. He displays perseverance and strength. Watching my brother grow up from the 17 year old high school graduate into a daring, adaptable, dependable leader, is inspiring to me everyday. He proves his worth in his life constantly through always reaching for greatness. He never stops wanting to be better. Whether it's completing a new type of training, taking college courses at night after long days at work, or wanting to attain a leadership position, my brother strives for eminence in whatever he puts his mind to.
He's my hero.
Through different stations, a deployment at 19 years old, tough situations and another deployment soon to come, my brother has handled everything with grace. With all the qualities I listed above, his courageousness sticks out to me daily. I've asked him if he was ever afraid with all the things he has done and will do in the future. He always responds with: "This is my job. I signed up for this. For my country, I will do whatever is needed of me." Keep in mind he's only 21 years old. I don't think I know anyone else with that sense of servility and humbleness.
I am grateful.
Whenever I see a man or woman in uniform or a retiree I go up to them and thank them. A simple thank you for their service, for their sacrifice, for leaving their family to protect this country. All thanks to my brother, I have an a little understanding of what our men and women in uniform do. And for that, I am grateful.
Whether you have a family member, friend, friend of a friend who's in the military or if you don't know anyone, just pray. Pray for these men and women. For their safety and their hearts and be thankful that we live in a great country with these great men and women who protect us.
To my brother,
if you ever forget how awesome you are or how amazing you're doing read this. If you ever think for some reason, what you do doesn't matter, know that it does to me and many others. Thank you!
From,
your little sister who looks up to you
