November 15, 2010

Dear Brother;

It’s been almost eight months since you’ve left us to fight in Afghanistan. We both hate what you’re doing, fighting in a war that seems endless and full of fake promises. After your first tour you came back shaken, but continued to live, to love and to watch Dave Chappelle and South Park with me. We even were able to xbox some Call of Duty on our days off. As your sister, and best friend I hate to say that this tour, you are different. I was able to see you on cam and you looked emancipated, tired, and when I showed you outside and said “this is home” - you cried.

You don’t talk about family but rather if I can get weed for you. Instead of talking of us hanging out, you’re talking about getting drunk. Instead of being excited to be home, you’re excited to be by yourself in a room. I know I don’t and never will understand the horrors you’ve seen and had to commit. I wish I could erase that pain for you. I would take it off your back indefinitely just so I could see you smile again.

You are the beating of my heart, and the sunshine in my day. I’ve spent these past eight months holding my breathe to the point of near explosion. I’m suffocating in our distance.

I want you to know; no matter what you have done, or what has happened I will always be proud of my big brother. I will always be here, even if we don’t have to talk. Even if you just want to cry; I’ll listen.

I’ll do whatever it takes, all I ask for in return is for you to smile.

Please smile again,
We all love you so much,

Your Sister,
Kayla