Duty calls.
Monday, July 20, 2009 at 10:00AM 
My oldest brother leaves for Afghanistan today.
This is his third time being deployed to the Middle East and the second time to Afghanistan.
We had a rather... tumultuous sibling relationship growing up. You know, with him setting my hair on fire and me standing around laughing as he got attacked by a swarm of bees. Being only 13 months apart will do that to a person, at least that's what I tell myself now. When we were getting along it was even worse because we were pretty rebellious and would often conspire with each other. We raised holy hell together and really, I wouldn't have it any other way. He knows me better than most anyone even though we haven't lived in the same place since this picture was taken in early 1999. That's the airport in Frankfurt, Germany in case you're wondering.
This picture. How awesome is this picture?
I l-o-v-e-d that ugly jacket. I loved it because it was so friggen ugly and everyone else hated (okay, despised might be more accurate) it. And then there's my rockin' NOFX shirt underneath, a shirt I think I still have somewhere. Side note: I'm pretty sure this proves I've always been rad. But enough about me, that's my Marky Sharky up there too. I still call him that and he still pretends to hate it. I know he loves it though, secretly. Very, very secretly. I mean it's better than my little sister's nickname. Which I won't mention because she reads my blog and I'm pretty sure she would drive to Denver from North Carolina and kick my ass. Or at least attempt to bite me or something. ;)
So if you see fit to do so, please keep my Sharky and his entire unit in your thoughts.
Much love,
Janett
Reader Comments (13)
Fun pic! And good luck to your brother.
Love the pic! I will keep your brother and his unit in my thoughts.
What a great picture and memory! I will absolutely keep him and his unit AND your family in my prayers.
Love the outfit. So 80's, yet so not.
You 2 are trouble and love wrapped into one.
I am a huge fan of that jacket. Here's to your brother, and to a safe tour of duty.
This post just made me smile...a LOT. I love that you shared these memories for us. And I hope your brother stays safe.
Definitely keeping your brother in my thoughts, hopefully he'll be back soon
Awesome outfit! I will keep your brother in my thoughts.
Goodness....I will be holding in my heart. I have to laugh at what you said about your relationship together too because my mom and her sister are 13 months apart and they did the similar things. I am pretty sure that is why I am an only child. Good luck to him....lets hope this is the very last trip for him out there.
Your relationship with your brother reminds me of my relationship with my brother! Will keep your brother in my thoughts.
Most definitely keep your brother as well as all of our military in my thoughts and prayers.
Love that shot. Good luck to your brother and everyone in his unit.
This totally brought tears to my eyes! Both he and his unit are definitely in my prayers. You might want to ask him if he wants to sign up for anysoldier.com. It's a way for people to log in, pick someone and/or their unit, and send care packages, munchies, hand sanitizer, words of encouragement, etc. Just a way to support people far away from home and let them know we appreciate them and care.
Your jacket is way cool! That rebellious spark is so good for the spirit and soul!!!!