Four-and-a-half years ago, I was sitting in the gymnasium with my father and stepmother watching 500 of the best soldiers come home from their tour of duty in Iraq. Some had been stationed in Baghdad… others were stationed in a place called Samarra. For 11 months while they were away, I worried. It was the kind of worry that eats at the pit of your stomach. Forget about nerves, they were shot… done, dead, gone. My ears were listening to the speeches, but my eyes were searching among the 500 soldiers to find him. I searched for what seemed like hours as they stood there at attention, but that’s the problem with uniforms. They all look the same… damn!
As the commander released the men, they proudly released a HOOAH which shook the room like a California earthquake… my heart, too. The men scattered to their respective family members, and my brother emerged them… sleek, strong, smiling. It would be the understatement of the century if I told you I sobbed. 11 months of grief poured out in the 2 minutes I held my brother.
Recently I was shooting an engagement/get-to-know-you session with an awesome couple. I knew that the groom-to-be had served in the military, but I was beyond floored when I found out he was in that same group of soldiers coming home New Years Eve four-and-a-half years ago. Small world.
Today is the fourth anniversary since my brother died and I embrace to the good that was my brother. His thirst for adventure, his respect for nature… his sense of humor. I think about my brother every day, and I always will. Peace little brother!
I lost my sister a number of years ago and I know just how you feel. But what I think is fantastic is the video. That is just so funny. I am so glad you have that memory. Keep playing it and keep smiling.
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