As we grow up, we face a lot of changes. If you have siblings, it seems you might be a bit more impacted by all of the change...especially if you're the oldest sibling. To me, my growing up wasn't such a big deal, but now that my younger siblings are growing up it's just not okay and totally weird.

My little brother, who's not so little anymore, decided to do this growing up. He graduated high school and joined the Army. As hard as it is to accept these changes I couldn't be more proud of his decision and of the young man he is shaping up to be. His choice to serve our country was scary, for sure, but is something we can all be proud of.

Boy, do I miss him. Knowing that when I do come home from school and he won't be there to greet me, play video games with me, or watch movies with me is so upsetting. I'm not the only one who misses him either. My parents miss him so much, and to see the mix of pride and sadness that washes over both of them when someone brings him up just goes to show how weird this change really is. The dogs miss him too, they sit on his bed when the door is open, and if it's not, they sit outside the door and cry for him to let them in.

Although it has been a weird change and something that the whole family is still adjusting to, my brother having joined the Army has brought me closer to him more than ever before. I realize how much he means to me, and all the time that we spent together was so valuable even if I didn't truly value it at the time.

He's become my pen pal since leaving for the Army. I keep him updated with what's going on at home, and he tells me all about training and how different it is from his life at home. I live for those letters. Seeing those letters in my mailbox just makes my day! Of course, the moment after I read them I write him a response, and then two more letters after that before I send the mail. The only thing those letters don't translate is his sense of humor, and that is something that I miss the most.

His growing up and joining the Army has taught me a lot about how to face change head on and learn to find the positives in it. It's okay for people to grow up, as a matter of fact, it is strongly encouraged and expected. I found that it wasn't the end of the world, but that didn't stop the tears; I just know that I have to wait a little longer to see him again.

That's just it! I will see him again, and I cannot wait until then. But for now, the letters will suffice. Just learn to love and appreciate the ones that you have and the time you have with them, because change is coming; it's just the way life works.