we have a marine in the family!

my younger brother just finished training at Parris Island, SC. he seemed a little nervous when he left 3 months ago, but came back looking like a bad a**(according to me and my sister).
i had breakfast with him this morning. there is the confidence in his bones that i have never seen before.
he is awesome. we are soooo happy for him.
through the veterans' families i have served at the funeral home, i have been gaining a huge amount of respect and understanding for our service men and women. but this feeling is more intense when your own brother is a marine! it was strange to get letters from him while he was away because it seemed like he was on another planet and i felt guilty living my comfortable life. but, i am grateful for his service. i am grateful for every individual who has served the United States. oh yeah, thanks dad, for letting me steal this photo.