I’m the oldest of 4 children. And I’m the only girl. My mom and I were always outnumber, but because of that, we are pretty tough cookies. We have to be.
Especially, except on days like today. The tears got me. And I’m thinking that they probably got my mom, too. I can almost guarantee that they did. She trained me.
Right now, my oldest, little brother is on a plane to Italy. He got a job through the Dept of Defense teaching 2nd-4th graders at a military camp in Livorno.
He’ll have a normal size classroom full of American children that travel the world with their military-employeed parents. He’ll be over there for at least 1-2 years. I know he’s excited.
It’s taken him a few years, and he’s had some “lost” spells…..we all do….but he’s finally found something in life that he absolutely LOVES. Teaching. And he’s great at it. It fills him up and makes him the happiest I’ve seen him in…well, a long damn time. I’m happy that he’s found his “thing.”
He’s going to get to see parts of the world that most of us only dream of seeing. None of my family have lived out of the US for long. (My next brother (down the line) spent some time in Iraq, but I’m quite certain he wasn’t really “enjoying” his over-seas trip.) I wonder what it would be like to live among such an old, rich culture? I’m looking forward to hearing his stories and seeing the life he builds for himself. Part of me is a bit jealous. But I’m channelling the green bug into my pure, excitement and admiration for him. It’s awesome.
We had a party for him a couple weekends ago at our family’s lakehouse. It’s very hard to get everyone in one place on short notice…and we knew when he got his “ok” from the Italian Embassy…he’d be on the next plane (classes start on Monday) It was good to get everyone together. It was good to celebrate such a happy event in his life…together. We’re all going to miss him.
I am going to miss him.
I’m so proud of him.
Ti amo, piccolo fratello.
