My Cousin

I can remember all the way back to when we were little children running around inside my house, both of our unruly little blond heads bobbing up and down as we laughed over something that was irrelavent at the time. Remember when our mothers made us stand in those rediculus photo shoots, me at age two, and you at almost five or six. I can't remember clearly. We sat on those little stands, white carpet around us, holding a paint can as we pretended to be the little Dutch boy on the paint cans we liked to look at. We were dressed in overalls and jeans. How silly we looked, I realize now as I look back on these memories.1

It happened as fast as a bolt of lighting. We became teenagers. Oh, what amazing years. We both got really tall, and our blonde hair never left us. The only difference was that I had my hair longer than yours. Still, we were thick as theives. I told you about my middle school and you informed me on what high school was. I remember us laughing after our graduations, and giving each other those enormous bear hugs. Party after party, and we were always there together. The friends came and went each year, but there was always time inbetween for us to chat. We would sit on my porch for hours after the party was over, mock fighting on who's party had been better this year. These are some of the best memories I have.2

Now, I'm in high school, almost seventeen. You are almost twenty, with a beautiful wife and your precious son. I was there the day after Lucas Michael was born, and you were so happy. Anna and I both scolded you for eating all of her snickers, but hey, it was all in good fun. It was the last time I saw you. We talked in a corner of the room, about what you had been up too. You said that you had joined the military police and that you were moving Anna and Lucas to Tennessee with you, to the base. I was so proud of you, and I still am. 3

Your mother called mine today and they spoke for almost an hour. Then I heard the tradgic news...you were leaving next week to go overseas to that horrid war. The war that reeks of death and defeat, where so many brave men have faught and died for our great country. I will admitt that I was horrified. 4

When I heard the news, I did something that I have not done in almost six years. I prayed. I prayed to God that he would keep you safe and bring you back home soon so that you could be with your family. I prayed so long and clenched my hands so tight, hoping, wishing, that there was another way. I know what could happen if you go overseas to fight. I might never see you again. No one would. You are brave, my cousin, so very brave. I believe in you and I trust in your training. The rest is up to God. I can only hope that you will be coming home soon, to all of your family: Anna, Lucas, your mom, my mom, Alex, David, Tabitha, and me.5

I pray for you my cousin. Remember that and stay safe. I wish you the best of luck, and Godspeed. We will all miss you greatly. Thank you for always being there for me. I'll always be here for you. 6

Please, stay safe, my cousin.7