To My Brother Ernie, A U.S. Marine

I had to say good-bye to you yesterday. I know that in the next month I'll still be able to hear your voice, but come July, you will be gone. They are finally sending you to Iraq.

I never thought yesterday would come. I knew you had joined the Marines, that we were fighting a war, but I never thought it would be your turn. You are now serving your country to your full potential. I couldn't be more proud of you. I know it isn't easy, but you never showed you were scared. And you always said, you joined the Marines knowing this was a possibility. I could never do something so brave.

I will pray every morning that you are safe that day. And I will pray every night that you are safe that night.

I pray that you will come home to us, that Ethan will get to grow up with you as his godfater, that my new son will know you as an uncle.

I pray that you are not hurt, though physical injuries we can overcome, I pray you don't have mental injuries.

I pray that what you see, what you have to do, what is done to you will not change the gentle, moral, sincere man you are.

I pray that you do not lose too many friends, that you can come back and celebrate with all of your friends you toured with.

I pray that all of these prayers are out there in the universe protecting you.

Again, I will pray every morning that you are safe that day. And I will pray every night that you are safe that night.

I love you very much. I hope you are safe and that you come home to us. I will see you in March.