For dialup users, and about family.

by AstralFire - 18 January

Before I go into the important part of this post, I would like to note: this is an animated page, and is very large. My site engine does not like the size of today's comic, and I had to do some fiddling. If there are errors, let me know. If you're dial-up, I've hosted the first and last frame of this page here for your viewing pleasure:
Frame 1
Frame 2

Now, the important part:
32 years ago (and a few days), my sister was born. Hana is nine years older than I am, and in many ways, practically raised me. She taught me and continues to teach me so much about life, and she utterly dotes on me. My sister has been my guide and my protector and my hero. When asked who I wanted to be like when I grew up, I never put down a celebrity, I never put down a fictional character; I wanted to be like my sister. Who wouldn't want to be like her? She grew up in the face of much adversity and has tackled every challenge set before her to become a highly successful lawyer in the United States Army - as-is her equally successful husband, Jeremy, a wonderful man who is - in many ways - like the brother I never had. I've always been proud of my sister and so happy for what she's earned.

Even so, I don't think I could be any more proud - or torn - than I have been this last week. Hana and Jeremy are currently stationed in a very comfortable urban posting. The work is hard and busy, but it's important, very well-paying, and desk work. They are well within reach of both my family and Jeremy's family, able to visit whenever they get a free moment. They've got a great little apartment, my sister's gotten to spend plenty of time with her two elderly dogs. It is, on the whole, a very good place for them to be. However, this last week they were asked - not ordered, but asked - to ship out to Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne. Not to one of the established bases out there, either, but to what amounts to a frontier - to help build things up. It will be dangerous, cramped, dirty, isolated. It'll pay much more poorly. And they won't even be stationed together.

And in spite of all of this - in spite of it all - Hana and Jeremy said 'yes,' without hesitation. Not because they wanted to leave any of that, but because they honestly feel that they are no better, no more privileged, no more entitled than anyone else. Because someone has to go, and it might as well be them. They ship out in two months.

Hana, I can't give you a birthday present to express just how much you mean to me. Happy Birthday, and I love you.