[LiteraryLark]

I didn't see a family thread, but I need to vent. Today my brother left for boot camp to become a Marine. He's only 19, two years younger than me. It hasn't sunk in yet. Last night we played videogames and then this morning we passed the football around. We spent all summer fishing and watching movies and hanging out whenever we could. Now he's gone for 13 weeks and when he comes back not only will he come back a man but he'll be a changed man. This will be the first year without Christmas together which hasn't sunk in either. I didn't cry as much as I thought. I started to cry when I hugged him goodbye and I started to cry when my mom broke down at lunch. I've already written my first letter to him. I promised him I would write to him every single day. If you could keep my brother in your thoughts and prayers I'd really appreciate it.

[Travelinglady]

I sure will, DrSkipper. Your brother sounds like a strong guy already, since he's willing to be in the Marines. I know you will miss him. When he returns, he will be somewhat changed, but I think you will still recognize him as your caring brother.

[kelly8896]

It's hard when a loved one makes a decision that really changes the dynamic of the family life. My son (20 years old) just went into the Marines in January. We were very close and it was very hard to let him go, but I wrote him every day which helped. He wrote me back too (I loved getting his letters) and I got the biggest hug when I saw him at graduation. He's changed some, more mature, conducts himself with a lot of pride, much more responsible, but he's still the silly, loving young man I sent away. He's made a grown up decision that will change his life forever, but he'll still be the wonderful brother you always had. Be proud! Once out of boot camp, they can have their phones to text and talk, so things will be much better.

[unaluna]

Hugs and congratulations. You have been in my thoughts.

[Slamjammer]

Congratulations to your brother for being accepted by the Marines. Not everybody can make the cut. He...and you should be proud.

Our son made a similar decision when he was still a senior in high school. Using the "Deferred Enlistment" program. He spent a couple of evenings every week doing PT, learning Military Discipline, Code of Conduct, etc etc. His recruiter kept very close tabs on him. A couple of weeks after graduation he shipped out to Camp Pendelton.

Needless to say, my wife and I were shocked at his decision. He had been in the "Gifted and Talented" programs since the 3rd grade, and had scholarship offers at several universities. We fully expected him to go to college immediately after high school. We tried to convince him to go ahead with college and include ROTC...he could then get a commission upon graduation. However, he had other ideas and we respected his decision.

That was nine years ago. Now he's a Staff Sargeant, and plans to stay for 20. He's in Signals Intel, doing things I don't want to know about, in places we hear of frequently in the news. Needless to say, we are very proud of him.

My wife said that the only thing more painful than giving birth is watching them leave the nest. In a way, it's not unlike the way you probably feel about your brother.

All I can say is to be proud...and pray. A lot. Good luck to him.