Oorah

Telling people how I feel has never been something that I have ever been good at.  Usually something nags away at me until finally I have to write it down, whether it be an email, a text, or in some cases I blog and share with the rest of you a glimpse into me.

Weighing heavy on my heart lately is my nephew, Andrew. Andrew is a United States Marine.  He is headed overseas with fellow Marines for a high risk mission.  I have known for a while, but I guess I pushed it to the back of my brain because I am scared.

I am scared for Andrew for the danger he is in.  I am scared for his physical safety while defending our country.  I am scared for the things that he will see and experience there that will forever change who his is as a man.  I am scared for his Mother, who I know walks every step with crippling anxiety.  I am scared for his Father, who is so incredibly proud of his son, but is incredibly worried for him.  I am scared for his Sister, who I know would walk to the end of the earth for him.

I don't know when it happened, but somehow the little boy that closed his eyes wishing we would all disappear while we sang Happy Birthday to him turned into a man.  I still see him as that little blue eyed boy, and probably always will.

I am not an overtly religious person, but I hope that God, The Universe, or whatever is out there looks over Andrew and his fellow Marines and keeps them safe.  I wish a peaceful minds for our family.  I hope that the people of this country remember those who put themselves in danger and sacrifice for their freedoms.  I hope all the keyboard politicians remember the families that are effected.

Be safe Andrew. Aunt Julie loves you.