ChiKat

I have two brothers. My youngest is safe in the cornfields of the Midwest studying cryptography. My other brother just completed Marine Security School and he is off to South America to provide security for an embassy there.

Honestly, I'm having more trouble with this than when he was in Iraq. At least Iraq was just nine months. This is three countries in three years. He is thrilled because he wants to see the world. But it's such a long time for him to be away! He probably won't be home for Christmas or the usual birthdays. I'm going to miss him so much.

On the bright side, we're already planning a vacation to visit him. I've never been to South America, but I'd love to see Machu Picchu. The Galapagos Islands sound pretty amazing, too. I have no idea how my son will do. It will involve a very long plane ride, followed by new foods and high altitudes. But he's an adventurous little boy, so I'm optimistic.