What's up, Brutha?!

  

 8 years ago, my brother joined the Marine Corps. While I have always been proud of him for his choice, I will also be the first to admit that I was devastated when he left for boot camp. Being just the two of us, we've always been close. Not in the tell all your secrets kind of way, but in that laugh together, beat each other up, give a lot of crap but go to the ends of the earth if needed kind of way. So, even though I was already living in Chicago when he left for 8 weeks, the thought of losing my ability to communicate with him was heartbreaking.

 Seems so long ago. He's since lived in several cities, been through 3 tours in Iraq, fallen in love and gotten engaged, has almost finished school and accomplished countless other things. We've been apart for so many years that the idea of his enlistment coming to an end seems unreal. Soon, however, it will be a reality. My brother and I will be living in the same city for the first time in the better part of a decade. Incredible!

 As I talked this over with my wonderful future sister-in-law tonight at dinner, I got giddy. I am looking forward to so many things. Some of them include:

a) going on a triple date with Ben and Alissa.  Andy (practically my other brother) and his date have to be there too.

b) not being the only child in town for holidays...or ever for that matter

c) working out with Ben. I can NOT wait to call him to go climbing, running, biking etc

d) he may not realize it but we will also be climbing a mountain together at some point

e) getting big fat hugs from him

f) never having to seriously date someone that he can't meet (approve of) again

g) laughing together until our stomachs hurt

h) just having him a part of everyday life again

i) pretending I can beat him up

j) seeing what he decides to do once out of the military. whatever it is, he'll be great at it!

k) being an auntie (okay, you get a couple of years for this one but I'm ready when you are. those kids are gonna be in a tent before they can walk. just warning you)

The list goes on. 17 days.