My brother.
That's a picture of my brother and me.
Maybe... 1986? That's my guess.
Anyway, we spent Easter together this year.
He's a little bit bigger now, but his smile is the same.
On Monday, Ryan is leaving for Iraq.
Even as I type those words, I have trouble really wrapping my mind around them.
He has been training in Texas for about three months, and it's time for him to head off to do his job. Bea, The Lovely Virginia, and I met up with Ryan and Our Family in Killeen for a few days of revelry before he takes off. We Three had to come home Tuesday, but today is his farewell ceremony.
And cook out, I think.
I don't really know what to write.
Ryan joined the Army National Guard about two years ago. He told me then that there was a chance that, in time, he would volunteer to be deployed.
I had really hoped he'd get over that notion.
Someone actually said to me once that you can't say you support the troops but don't support the war.
Ahem.
That is officially the biggest pile of bullshit anyone has ever said to me.
I cannot articulate how proud I am of my brother. Nor can I articulate how scared I am for him.
This is what he wants to do. This is what he needs to do.
I know what it's like to train for a career for years, having to sit on your hands and wait for the opportunity to do something with that training.
And I know what it's like to finally have that opportunity.
I know how exhilarating that is. To finally have the chance to put all those years of training into practice, to feel productive for a change, to feel like you're doing something.
And for that reason, I am excited for Ryan.
I don't know what your deal is, whether you're into God, or Buddha, or trees, or whatever.
But I'd love it if you'd send some positive thoughts his way. It can't hurt.
Ry, you're one of the most amazing people I know in the world.
I love you. I love you and am proud of you.
See you in ten months.
Maybe... 1986? That's my guess.
Anyway, we spent Easter together this year.
He's a little bit bigger now, but his smile is the same.
Even as I type those words, I have trouble really wrapping my mind around them.
He has been training in Texas for about three months, and it's time for him to head off to do his job. Bea, The Lovely Virginia, and I met up with Ryan and Our Family in Killeen for a few days of revelry before he takes off. We Three had to come home Tuesday, but today is his farewell ceremony.
And cook out, I think.
I don't really know what to write.
Ryan joined the Army National Guard about two years ago. He told me then that there was a chance that, in time, he would volunteer to be deployed.
I had really hoped he'd get over that notion.
Someone actually said to me once that you can't say you support the troops but don't support the war.
Ahem.
That is officially the biggest pile of bullshit anyone has ever said to me.
I cannot articulate how proud I am of my brother. Nor can I articulate how scared I am for him.
This is what he wants to do. This is what he needs to do.
I know what it's like to train for a career for years, having to sit on your hands and wait for the opportunity to do something with that training.
And I know what it's like to finally have that opportunity.
I know how exhilarating that is. To finally have the chance to put all those years of training into practice, to feel productive for a change, to feel like you're doing something.
And for that reason, I am excited for Ryan.
I don't know what your deal is, whether you're into God, or Buddha, or trees, or whatever.
But I'd love it if you'd send some positive thoughts his way. It can't hurt.
Ry, you're one of the most amazing people I know in the world.
I love you. I love you and am proud of you.
See you in ten months.
Comments
Thanks and much respect to Ryan.
-Thomas.
I have a little brother named Ryan, too. He got out of the Army last summer. He signed-up after 9/11. He had come to visit me in NYC and we had gone to the WTC once. He said he never forgot that trip. Sometimes I wish he had. - He spent a year in Iraq as a medic assigned to a Rangers squad and saw things he won't talk about. Fireworks make him jumpy.
Your pride must be bursting as are your fears. Know that your Ryan's training, his buddies, and his family will get him through. Prayers. Cards. And a lot hand-wipes. :)
I wrote the quote below on a blog earlier this month, whining about my lack of enthusiasm for the election. Once you have such a stake in things, you get jaded and tired. I'm including it in the hopes it'll let you know that hating the war is ok. Hating the situation is ok. That getting down is ok. Just gotta get back up. Ryan'll be counting on you. - - All the best and warm thoughts and prayers! - Kristy
"Maybe it was the year or so spent agonizing over the daily casualty reports from Iraq. Relieved that it wasn't my baby brother or my friend Adj. Then realizing that it was someone else's someone. Maybe not mine today, but someone's heart was ripped out so I would cry anyway for being selfish and for their pain."
Thank you for sharing that. We'll be thinking of your brother (and your family).
Best wishes to your brother and may he stay safe in Iraq.
Message to your brother: Thank You!
He's got all my best wishes, and regardless of my feelings about the war, I have nothing but positive feelings and admiration and pride for the men and women who volunteer to serve.
Stay Safe, Ryan!
I have been exploring your blog - linked from wikipedia.
Best,
Heather