Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition!

"10" has recently been introduced to the world of AirSoft gaming, which are like BB guns, only safer.  He scoots in from school, goes through the cycle of homework and chores, suits up in his version of Kevlar (a long-sleeved Under Armour shirt), and heads down to the neighbor's as fast as his little "10" legs will carry him.  There's a scheduled mission, after all.

As if taken directly from the script of 24, thanks to "10" and his three pint-sized partners, tens of thousands of American lives have been saved and our world is secure after only two hours on the battlefield.  Rinse. Repeat.

It's the same scenario every day as my little troop returns home from combat- exhausted, filthy, ravenous.  No matter where I am in the house or what chore I'm doing, "10" will follow me from room to room giving me the details of his heroics, complete with head-spinning detail and sound effects (where do they learn these sounds and why is it that only the male species can make them?). 

"Man down! Man down!" is one of his favorite lines.  As is "Enemy Fire!" and "I've got your back!".

I've got your back.

"15" wants to be a pilot when he grows up (some more). Thus far he has his college career semi-planned and is still exploring his military options to see which path is the right fit for him. He's also loaded up his AP Math's and Science's for the remaining two years of high school.  So far so good, with the exception that he still doesn't think History is as important as Physics.  I'm still working on that one. "15"s loyalty to his friends is immeasurable.  Any troop would be lucky to have "15" supporting him.  He can say with full commitment and conviction:

I've got your back. 

Which brings me to my (not-so-little-anymore) cousin, Greg, who will shipping out (again) with the US Navy to the UAE, leaving this coming Monday for an 8-month tour.  I can't shake images of him holding on to his Teddy Ruxpin Bear, much less trying to imagine this sweet, calm, and loving family man holding on to a machine gun.  But alas, he is 'all that', and I am left with no doubt that this old soul in a young man's frame has my back.

We will pray for your safety daily, Greg-er-dee.  Remember that every action you take, and the integrity in which you carry out your duties, is befallen upon the eyes of those growing up behind you. As is the integrity of the US Electorate in representing its defenders.

I will take advantage of your absence by reasserting my status in the family as the favorite niece/nephew, but have no fear.  You'll earn that title back when you return, especially if you lay on thick the details of your heroics, complete with sound effects.  For the love of God, if you throw in an "uphill, through 10 feet of snow, bare-footed" clause, I will puke on your boots.

Ribbing aside, you are every parent's dream and you make us proud.  We love you dearly.