Having older brothers is an adventure, but when one of them is in the military, it makes everything that much more interesting.
We always knew my brother would live a crazy and spontaneous life, even when he was a kid. He was the first of us to beg to play a sport, the first to go on camping trips with friends, and the first to make us laugh on hard and rainy days. Later on, he knew the typical four-year university route wasn't for him, and he joined the military.
Being in a military family isn't easy, but I am so thankful for it. Here are six reasons why.
1. I will never take family holidays for granted.
For the first eighteen years of my life, I always had my whole family around me for every holiday and birthday. Now that my brother is deployed, I understand the value of spending holidays as a family on an entirely new level. It's so easy to take these moments for granted as a kid, when your whole life is stretching out endlessly in front of you. But they don't last forever, and making the most of them is so important.
2. I have a new perspective on life.
College students, myself included, complain about a lot. Professors who don't curve exams, 8 A.M.s, broken ice cream machines in dining halls, loud suitemates...the list goes on. It always humbles me when, in the middle of a trivial inconvenience, I remember the sacrifice my brother and thousands of others are making for our country on a daily basis. I essentially have nothing to complain about, and every reason to be thankful.
3. I have a personal connection to all things patriotic.
Singing the Star-Spangled Banner, watching the flag blow in the breeze...it doesn't ever get old. Studying the history of American involvement in world wars - it's not boring. All of it is incredibly personal. I have a deeper sense of gratitude for the freedom we enjoy in our nation because my brother is dedicated every day to preserve that freedom.
4. I'm a tougher person.
Let's be real - when you have a soldier for a brother, you learn to have pretty thick skin! From playing soccer together to being a test dummy for his "new martial arts tactics" to being reminded that I have "civilian problems", I have learned to be a strong person because of my brother. Those were silly reasons, but in a serious way, watching his strength and courage has motivated me to become a more strong and courageous person as well.
5. I know a lot about what's going on in the world.
Because of my brother, I tend to not only pay more attention to the news (especially regarding world conflicts and unrest), but I seek out information regarding, for example, various politicians' standings on military funding and responsibility. I can't ignore what is happening in Washington D.C. or the rest of the world, because it directly affects my family. The world perspective I have developed is highly valuable to me.
6. I am more humble.
I think we could all use more practice being humble, and I am no exception! The older I get, the more I become aware of that I am NOT capable of accomplishing. I could not be an astrophysicist, you guys! And, although my personality type is apparently very well suited to the infantry (lol), there is no way I could be a soldier. I am so grateful that God has made us all with different strengths, talents, and personalities that enable us to accomplish various different kinds of things. Right now, I am studying business while my brother is halfway across the world serving our country. Our other sibling is a genuis who has a graduate degree in cyber security. Clearly, we all have very different strengths - and I am humbled watching them play out in such cool ways.
Justin, if you're reading this - know that I love you so much and I am so proud of you. Keep shining SO bright for Jesus, no matter where this life takes you. This Thanksgiving, I really really miss you, but I am thankful for the example you continue to set for me. I'll see ya when I see ya, soldier!
