To be honest, I have five brothers but that's not the point right now.
I have a brother who, at 17, enlisted in the Navy and spent several years traveling the world doing cool--and I'm sure not so cool--things, and being all macho military man. And I'm beyond proud of him and what he has done.
And now after using the GI Bill (bet he's glad I pay my taxes on time!) he was able to get a Bachelor's degree and will be heading back into the Navy, this time as a hottie shottie officer. Which of course, I couldn't be happier for him and this new direction for him.
And this brings me to having another brother (yes, we've already established I have four other brothers but that's still not the point), who at age 20 recently (as in last week) also enlisted in the military. He's gonna be a Marine. And then he'll spend several years traveling the world doing cool--and I'm sure not so cool--things, and being all macho military man. Maybe even slightly more macho military man than Navy brother because he is, after all, in the Marines and they rate highest on the macho scale, right?
Fully aware that former statement is going to be debated at future family functions. Ad nauseum. Just thought I'd get it started.
And as the Fourth of July nears, it makes me think about my first and second brother who have dedicated their lives, or at least this portion of it, to being told when they can (and this is a direct quote) 'shower, shit, and shave' because they desire to make a difference and serve America and Americans.
And that's pretty cool. And macho. But mostly pretty cool. And while I'll worry myself silly over both of them, I'm also beyond proud of them for following their hearts and for their overwhelming desire to serve.
So here's to you, Tony & Gabe--thank you and I love you.
You know, just in case I forget to tell you on the 4th.
