I don't do it for the glory, I just do it anyway.

I've been more than M.I.A than the last post for personal reasons and sickness, not really running reasons. I've almost been dreading sharing this next piece of me. It's hard for me to really put into words because I am truthfully torn in two completely equal pieces.

A while ago, my brother attempted to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. He was unfortunately turned away for a medical ailment that is not entirely his fault. Six years ago while playing basketball with my boyfriend and their mutual friends he blew out his patella. Like BLEW it out of place. It was floating like one of those candles in water....gross, I know. His Orthopedic Surgeon said he wouldn't ever run again and walking would take over a year, jogging maybe never, maybe years. This kid ran the Hartford Half Marathon in 2012 in the blistering cold and kept around a 7 minute mile. Although he has proved the surgery he had means nothing the injury seems to have plagued him. He wouldn't be medically cleared for the Marines. They are missing out. My feelings were more so of pride and feeling overwhelmingly honored to have a brother who would be willing to put his life on the line. I know the Marines are a brotherhood and without ever knowing who he would be with in his platoon, I trusted that he would be taken care of. Yet, when it didn't turn out how he wanted I was relieved. 

Well while he was vacationing in South Africa he shared with my parents that he had enlisted in the United States Army and the process has gone further along than with the Marines. I am more torn with this journey than with the journey to become a Marine. He is my baby brother after all. I want him taken care of. I am hoping that he gets what he wants with all his heart which is to becoming an American Soldier though. He deserves it. He is an amazing man. (Even if I want to junk-punch him and then break his nose every so often.) Y'all would be proud to have him serving out country.

He could be going to basic training as soon as February and would leave while I am in Florida for the Princess Half Marathon. So, please forgive me if I am a little bi-polar with my emotions from now till then....well and beyond.

I have ALWAYS been a supporter of our military and have the biggest space in my heart. This is now just an even larger piece of me that belongs to them.