Little brother

So today I packed my kids into the truck and headed to the airpot, not to pick anyone up but to help someone feel important The first people off the plane were your regulars. They were mothers, fathers, aunts and uncles, friends and what not. They all had some one there to greet them. They second group off was a group of young men, 18-20 year olds. They had no one there to greet them. Some of them looked scared but they all held their heads high as they walked around looking for the USO building (there is a huge sign). They were part of the reason I was there but not exactly. My son, daughter and I stood waiting. Finally we saw him. My son yelled "uncle Joe". Joe was not here for a visit, he was here to join the rest of the young men walking around trying to find USO (luckly he could read the sign) My brother, who had just graduated high school a month ago, was on his way to becoming a Marine. He walked like the other men doing the same. He held his head high and had a sureness in his eyes. It was hard for him, people gave him a lot of crap for following his dreams. He left a lot behind. But you couldn't tell by looking at him. He was proud of what he was doing no matter what people said. He knew he was doing the right thing. It is funny, you see all these young men walking around in a strange place far from home (I'm sure some have never left home before) who look a little nervous and confused, but they all walk in a strong, proud manner. They walk with a purpose, a sense of belonging. I could tell the difference in my brother. The 12 weeks ahead of them is going to hell. Their futures so uncertain, where are they going to live, are they going to go to Iraq. There are so many questions. That doesnt seem to bother them though. They all look so proud to be doing this great and honorable service. When I huged my brother good bye I no longer saw him as my little brother but as a grown man with a purpose. I felt as though he was now the older one and I was the little sister looking up to him. It will be a proud day when he finally hears the words "you are now a Marine".