.serviceman.

a brother of mine, named Lawrence, (though I call him Buzz) is at boot camp right now.

Lawrence is a serviceman in the United States Navy.

i once wanted to join the navy. it was my obsession through all of eighth grade. even freshman year in high school. eventually my stance on war and violence took so drastic a change that i hate this country's government and military.

but i still have incredible respect for my friend, Lawrence.

Lawrence, during the first eleven years of our friendship, was always the bane of my existence on tuesday and then the best friend i could ever have on wednesday. maybe thursday. but still, you get the point. he was one of those friends you knew you wanted to be mad at, but couldn't manage to stay mad at for more than a day or so. though being around him could be such a pain on some days, i'd always know i was missing out if i forewent a chance to hang out.

He's gotten me used to a lot of things in life. given me the rougher treatment in some respects. been the first to ridicule some of my decisions, and then sometimes the first to defend half of them. he's a realist and since he left for boot camp several weeks ago life hasn't quite been the same.

i miss him insanely. he probably won't get a chance to read this until he graduates in August. but still. these words need to be said now.
and though i claim no allegiance to the U.S. government or military, i do pledge allegiance to a friend who has been at odds with me sometimes, completely stubborn at others, and pretty frickin a necessity all the time.

Lawrence is a tougher kid than you'd expect when you first meet him. I hear the brother's completely beasting everything that comes his way out there. I'm jealous of his stamina. cuz i'd have quit on the first day. or maybe i never even would have taken his leap of faith.

Lawrence is my friend, my brother, and i'm beginning to find that in spite of all the crap i've put him through as we've grown up, especially about joining the navy, since i never knew for sure that he could make it... he's very quickly becoming a hero of mine.

i don't want to over-glamorize his image too much, but i would be surprised if i'm the only one who calls him a hero.

here's to you, brother, to our friendship, and to your journey that i know i could never even attempt!



God be with you.
PAX