First of all, let my express to you how incredibly proud I am of you. The obstacles you are overcoming are unfathomable to me and there are days where I wish I could be in your presence and experience the situations that you are in so I can understand but I know that isn't a possibility. You are achieving an abundance of things with a significant amount of courage, strength, and determination. I have to be honest though, at first, I was scared. Even now I am borderline terrified because of being in the dark about you but I know who you are. I know the perseverance and strength you possess and it will carry you throughout the times where you think you can't do it anymore.

There are days where I believe I am okay and I discuss the situation with people that ask. Pride and assurance reflect off of me as I tell them everything that I have gathered so far, but there are also days where the mention of your name or the absence of your presence is so strong that I break down and cry. It's an emotional rollercoaster that seems to never cease, although don't let that fool you. Even though there are times where the grief is too strong I feel like I won't be able to breathe again, I wouldn't change it for the world. Not many people can say that they have done or are doing what you are accomplishing. I was proud of you before you made the decision for the person you have become throughout childhood into adulthood. Your kindness, compassion, sensitivity but firmness, and ability to hold me when I cry is something that will never cease to exist and it solidifies my pride for you. The decision you made to join was a difficult one, I know, it affected a lot of people emotionally but I can tell you one thing, sometimes we may cry and beg you to come home but I know that none of us want that. We want what you want to do because of the amount of determination that flows through you.

The last thing I want you to know is how much you are loved. A lot of people love you so deeply that it feels like that alone can protect you. Mom and Dad have loved you from the moment they knew they were having you. I loved you from the moment I knew I was going to have a sibling. Everyone loved you the moment they met you and that will never change. Every letter, every prayer, every word spoken about you is filled with love and pride. I love you and have more pride for you than any letter could ever express. Thank you for your decision to serve, and thank God for Him providing me with such an amazing sibling.

Semper Fi.