memorable.

As I debated whether or not it would be appropriate to spend the large amount of money it was gonna take to fly me down to Cali for my little bro's Marine Graduation this is the thought I pondered: "You can always make more money in a day, but you can ever make more time."

There wouldn't be another graduation day like this one.

Family Day: After arriving at MCRD in San Diego for Family day we waited nearly 3 hours to catch only a glimpse of my Brother. The 3 hours we're easy they flew by as the drill instructors got us pumped up to see our loved ones for the first time in what felt like forever! The drill instructors taught us what I'll call cheers (b/c I forgot the appropriate term) and they helped brew the intensity of the moment! They had family and friends gathered according to platoon numbers so that when the Marines paraded through they could pause in front of the ones they loved so that they could hear the familiar voices of loved ones call out to them and cheer!

And then, finally after much anticipation in the midst of their 4 mile morning run the new Marines paraded in. I can't imagine how they had felt to know that this run was different than all others so far, knowing that in just a few feet they'd stop to see the ones who had encouraged them through out their 3 months of the world's most intense training.

I only know how I felt: shaky with anxiety! I was so thrilled to be there, I couldn't believe the day had finally come. Then there he was. Mothers tearing uncotrollably and screaming with joy for their sons, girlfriends and wives balling with pride and family and friends cheering their hearts out! It was so perfect! I hadn't noticed immediatly but tears came streaming down my own face and for the first time I saw a familiar young man before me. My little brother who I shared some of the funniest, lonliest, happiest, most miserable times of my life with, had finally grown up. Its a complex bond Jessica, Sam and I have as siblings. Its a complex love.

My brother was respectful, a little more mature, a darker perfect brown color and 25 pounds less than he had weighted before. All this and a bag of chips or maybe 10 bags b/c one thing he's not lacking is appetite!

If you could buy joy how much would you pay? That moment was worth so much more than money could buy. Its something I'll look back on with my family and smile about with pride! Thank you God for perfectly orchestrating all aspects of this trip so that this memory was even possible! And that was just family day at mcrd.


Pride. My bro bought all of us t-shirts to wear on graduation day.