Fair Winds and Following Seas

Dedicated to: James Lee

I will honor my first official post to a good friend of mine. Let me tell you about James. James is the type of guy who would have your back in a flash and support you no matter how many times you fail in your endeavors. In other words, he's the kind of guy you would want to be with if there was ever a zombie invasion - dependable, loyal, friendly, and a guy that knows how to work a shotgun.

About a week ago, James left for Marine boot camp on Paradise Island (psh, bullcrap, it's actually Parris Island). His date to leave was actually about three weeks later, sometime in April. Except, perhaps due to some drop-outs, he had the opportunity to ship off early to try and earn one of our nation's greatest honors - to be a Marine. Now, if you ever get to meet this kid as a Marine, he would not be your typical Jarhead. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that all enlisted Marines are like this, but the stereotype is that they are individuals who are fiercely loyal, but aren't the brightest crayons in the box (please excuse the cliche). James on the other hand, is not only street-smart, but quite intellectual at the same time. I had tried to convince him to try and become a Marine officer instead, but he insisted he wanted to experience the life of an enlisted Marine before even trying/think about an officer commission. In summary, he'll be a badass Marine in approximately 12 more weeks.

Why am I talking about this? Well, I think his story is an example of dreaming a dream and living that dream. How many people can say that they had a dream, and is living it? I can definitely say that I'm not even close, yet. What I admire most about James is his ability to pursue his dream no matter what it takes. After nearly two decades of his life, he is finally opened one of his life's doors and walking down that path.  Me? Well, I've just started and I haven't even reached my door.

Back in our senior year in high school, James wrote a message in my yearbook that I would never forget. He wrote something on the lines of "...hey Saph, you are a great friend and a Marine at heart.  I've always been a bit envious of your boldness and don't ever change. Maybe we can salute each other one day." This message will always stick with me, because I couldn't help thinking, why would he be jealous of me? Sure, my personality is a bit blunt, yet humorous, but why would he be jealous of me? When I thought about this later, I finally figured it out. I've always been a driven person and not shy to express my personal dreams and aspirations. I'm going to help save the world one day, maybe I'll work for the FBI, military, State Department, or in the private sector. Maybe, I'll even become the Secretary of Defense and then change "Defense" to "War" 'cause it sounds more badass...yeah, that sounds like a good idea. Where the hell did I get these ideas? I guess much of my personality has to do with this craziness, but I can't help thinking about choosing to spend the rest of my life in a career to help those who can't help themselves. The point is, now I think the feelings James had about me are now reversed. I'm envious of James's freedom and courage to make his own choices.

Do I ever want to become a Marine one day? Maybe yes, maybe no. Who knows, time is always changing along with people's minds. But, I don't believe we could ever change the parts of our personality that makes up the essence of who we are. Point of the matter is that James thought of a dream, went through some personal hardships, but now is on his way to achieve a major portion of it. James, along with a few other of my really close friends, is like a sibling to me. My little brother has finally unfurled his wings and on the path in becoming a Marine - to become somebody because he chose to be somebody. In about 12 weeks, he's going to earn his eagle, anchor, and globe. One day, when I can spread my wings, James will be one of the people I thank. But for now, I don't think it'll hurt to do some of that thanking now.

James, if you ever get around to reading this, thanks. Semper fi little brother.