My Brother

My brother (the baby one)is a US Army Captain.
My brother serves our country in Afghanistan.
My brother has seen many terrible and wonderful things.
My brother has been in a foreign country for 2 out of 3 1/2 years of his marriage.

My brother used to be just a little boy.
My brother loved to teach his dogs all sorts of tricks.
My brother once had a business in the 3rd grade selling memberships to his fan club.
My brother loved apples & cinnamon oatmeal and Benadryl.
My brother could make cheesedip before he was tall enough to reach the countertop.
My brother once knocked down 11 Chinaberry Trees with a Mustang.
My brother used to find out what my dad was wearing first so he could dress the same.

Today I saw my brother for the very first time in 10 months. Even though I couldn't touch him or kiss his cheek, it was a most memorable moment. I wouldn't trade anything for the 5 minutes I got to stare at his smile, and watch him laugh with my girls. I will always remember the second he copied Micah when she said she was almost "Fo-uh." And that he brought with him the Christmas ornaments Trinity decorated for his tree to show her that they made the long trek from Lockhart to Afghanistan was so thoughtful. And the fact that Emory knew exactly who he was and repeated "Unca Stoney" multiple times even though she hasn't known him in person for the majority of her life warmed me to the core. And even though I dorkily (is that a word?) took photos the whole time wishing I had my video camera instead, each moment of the 5 minute visit strolled slowly by just so I could have, quite possibly, the best gift of the last 10 months. Sight is such an amazing sense. The realization that the voice on the other end wasn't just a voice but also a face and a smile that I didn't realize I had longed for so was a bit surprising. Perhaps I will work harder at focusing on people in my presence so I won't miss them so much when they are far away. Thank you, Ali, for sharing your 5 minutes with me. You will never know how much it meant to see My Brother again.