My oldest nephew, Ken, is home from the Air Force for a short visit. My girls have always loved "Big Cousin". He has always been willing to take the time for a quick hug, a quick hello over the phone, or time to poke some fun at them. He loves to tease and they love to dish it back. Needless to say, they have drove us crazy for a week, counting down the days until they got to see Big Cousin. They about knocked him down, running to hug him when they finally set eyes on him. He was shocked to see how much they had grown. The girls have a picture of him from the military taped to their bed frame and they kiss "Big Cousin" goodnight every night befre laying their heads on their pillow. We are working on getting a picture of Ken's little brother Kyle who recently joined the Air Force as well so they can do the same for him.
My heart broke, but swelled with pride at the same time upon hearing the following conversation while driving down the road recently:
KEANNA: "Mommy, how long has Kenny been gone? Was I just a baby when he left?"
ME: "He has been gone just a little over 4 years, so you were 4 when he left."
KEANNA: "It seems like he's been gone my WHOLE LIFE!!!"
KAMILLE: "Mommy, how come he has to save the world?"
ME: "Well, he's not necessarily saving the world, but he is defending our freedom."
KAMILLE: "He has missed so much of our lives."
So, we plan on squeezing as much love, hugs, visits and fun into his short home visit as possible. We hate to see him leave, we hate the thought of him going to War, but we're so proud of him and feel safe knowing he's a small part of the many, many military personnel defending this Country we all love so much. Kenny, to you I say "Be safe, be true, be proud and thank you for providing such a solid example for my girls!! Love you!"
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