Come Sail Away

I have seen you everywhere lately: The movie I watched last night with a big brother overseas in the military. The song we used to sing together coming on the radio. All this news of terrible attacks flooding my TV and internet browser. An old photo uncovered during Spring cleaning. In my dreams. Getting stuck behind a mom-van covered with Navy bumper stickers. Questions from friends and family about how you’re doing and what you’re up to.

I miss you every day. I think of you every night. I pray for your safety. I wish for your happiness. I am scared. I am worried. I am sad without you. Most of all though, I am insanely proud of you.

I have seen you grow from this pesky punk picking on his little sister into a respectable, astonishing man that works hard to make dreams come true. You are dedicated and strong in more than physical pursuits. You are polite, caring and insanely loyal. You set goals and work your ass off to achieve them, you certainly don’t settle. I still get annoyed with you (especially when you tell me to get my shit together and treat me like a baby). I still think I could beat you up. I still think you listen to the worst music of all time. I still think most girls are not good enough for you. I still want you to know that when you look up at the sky tonight, wherever you are, I am seeing the same stars here.

Big brothers are hard to get along with but impossible to replace. You have been everything to me that you never had to be even when it got tough. I love you.