In Memoriam

Wanted to post another blog about something that has truly been in my mind quite often lately, and that is in memory of my cousin Jason.

Jason was my Uncle Jack's only son, and a very prominent member of not only my life, but especially the lives of my entire family. Jason treated all of his cousins as if they were his own siblings, and truly blessed my life, even though in the few years prior to his death I was mostly away. He was always the first one to be waiting at my house to see me every single time I came home, but unfortunately he could not be there to see me home for good.

While Jason was still alive and I was home on emergency leave, I saw my family crumbling to ruins before my eyes, which I suppose was to be expected because his accident was so sudden and unpredictable. That's truly when I came to my attention that my family had not spent enough quality time with each other, and I think we are all to blame for that. Cause in reality, work and money and all things pertaining to that aren't something you need to care the most for, but it's family that is most important. At the end of the day, end of the month, end of the year, whenever, family will always be there to back you up nevertheless. Through the experience of having my cousin pass away, I have learned that I need to dedicate as much of my free time as possible to my family, and that's what I've been trying to do to the best of my ability. Since I've left the Marine Corps I have spent a sparse amount of time with my friends, and instead have shared better times and laughs with my father, and my uncle Jack. I've always tried to spend more time with my brothers, even if that means I gotta either play Magic the Gathering, or Halo 3. It's the small sacrifices in life right? As far as my mother goes, I have probably neglected her the most, and I am quite ashamed for that because she has been the one that has helped me the most, especially while I was in the Marine Corps. I plan on changing that drastically when I come home, cause Momma always knows best, and mine specifically has always been good to me as a mother should (although she tries her best to overprotect me all the time). I guess in her eyes I'll always be here baby, cause I was the youngest for 10 years until Alex came around.

With the Holiday season around the corner, I just hope and pray that my family can persevere through another one without having Jason around, cause he is always on our minds, and even more so when we are all together as a family for Christmas. The last thing I said to Jason, as I know he heard it even in his state, was just a simple thank you. A thank you for taking care of my little brother in my absence, and always quick to be a helping hand to my mother and father as well. He was a true family man, and I couldn't possibly thank him enough for taking care of my family while I was serving my country.

God bless you Jay, and I'll see you when I get there.

-=Rob=-