It was almost a year ago, since my brother, Joe, signed up for the Air Force—and nine months since I watched him leave the house, for what seemed to be the last time. I have done a lot of growing up in those last nine months, but it hasn’t changed the fact that the boy in Joe has now taken a seat, and the man inside of him has finally stood up. Joe is no longer "Mom's little boy" but "Mom's grown man," which is scary for all of us.
"Airman Joe" sounds strange to me or maybe it just makes him sound so grown up. It's true that my loving brother is a lot different since I last saw him. Back in February, our family went down to San Antonio, Texas to see him graduate from basic training. He had already lost a lot of weight at that point. It also seemed as though the playfulness of Joe was gone, but after I learned what basic training was all about, I soon realized that his display of seriousness was demanded, not suggested; and that at any given moment during that time, if a rule was disobeyed, he could have needed to start all over again.
However, those times have passed and to see him now is just astonishing. He is physically bigger and stronger. Mentally, his mind has been stretched, and he is now more aware of what is going on around him. He is smarter than ever, having finished his Associates’s degree in Electrical Engineering. But it is spiritually where he seems to have grown the most, fearing the Lord and keeping steady in his faith. Joe has always been strong in his Christian faith, but he is so passionate about serving his country, now more than ever. Joe is definitely a role model in my life; one who displays courage, strength, loyalty, and diligence. He displays the character of a leader and a true solider; something that everyone should strive for.
I must admit that although it is good to have Joe home, it doesn’t feel the same. It isn’t that I don't want him there, but it's almost as if he doesn't belong here anymore. He has been away from his family for nine months, and I feel that this is a new chapter in my family's life; one where the birds have started to leave the nest; one where the family has put their relationships to the test. We were all so apprehensive about what those nine months would be like. I was for certain. But sometimes circumstances happen to help make us stronger people. Joe has matured. I think we all have as a family, and Joe being home has proven that.
In the next couple of weeks, Joe will be stationed across the country- far, far away from home, but that is okay with me now. I now understand that Joe is no longer our "Joey" but he is a grown adult—turning 21—and ready to start his own life. We still love each other—that hasn't changed—what has changed is just how far our love goes. And for right now, it's spanning across 2201.32 miles. I am finding myself at peace with that, finally, because I realize now that we don’t need to be living under the same roof to feel the closeness we share. We will always be brothers. No matter where he is or what he is doing, that bond continues to exist.
And I am so very thankful for that.
No comments:
Post a Comment