Most of my blog posts, actually all of my blog posts are written on my computer as I sit at a table or desk. I’m very old school and do all my work this way. However, I currently find myself in the bookstore because I need to return a book I foolishly ordered online because I was catfished by one of my professors and bought something I have zero use for. So I am writing this on my phone, a challenge and adventure for sure.

Now when I say that I’m in line I don’t mean like this will take 5 minutes and I’m really busy today so let me get a head start on my blog kind of line. If this line was the snake game on the OG Nokia brick, the game would be over. Not because the snake ran into itself but because every square inch of playing space is covered and there is now where for the snake to go. Needless to say I am going to be here a while and I might as well be effective with the little time I have.

Enough of that, I recently got back into town after a brief three-day trip to Georgia. Now I know what you are thinking. “Thomas, why would you spend the few days of summer break that you had in Georgia? There are so many other choices that are cheaper and better vacation spots.” But my reason for traveling was not about the where but about the who.

Last week my brother graduated summer camp, or as most people call it Army Ranger school. So I flew out to the peach state to visit family and more importantly support and congratulate my older brother on earning his ranger tab. And not to discount how important this tab is towards his military career, or how hard he worked for 100 days to earn his tab, but the tab also has significance in my life.

First, I no longer feel bad for losing all those wrestling matches my brother and I had growing up. Sure I do prefer to win, but it is a consolation when the person that knocked you out (literally)  grows up to become Ranger qualified.

Second, when I was a young boy I remember watching documentaries with my brother about military training and Ranger school in particular. We would talk about how hard the schools seemed and how tough the guys are that actually graduate basic training, nevertheless Ranger school.

Fast forward a few years to the summer before my brother went off to college to become a member of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets. I remember him feverishly working out and trying to get into shape before he reported for FOW (the week before school starts where freshman are constantly yelled at and told to do push-ups) Not that my brother was in terrible shape but he was the slowest of his friends and not really “battle ready” when it came to physical fitness.

Needless to say, I never imagined my brother attempting nevertheless graduating Ranger school. Yet he poses the not so easy to earn Ranger tab.

Seeing my brother’s transformation as he gained physical and mental strength, I am reminded that nothing is impossible. That no goal, dream, or idea is too insurmountable as long as you believe in yourself and put in the effort required to achieve what your heart desires. I cannot tell you what my brother’s Ranger tab means to him, but I can tell you that it means to me. My brother’s tab represents the tough brother I have always looked up to, and that in life you only fail when you stop trying.

So I congratulate you John and wish you the best of luck as you go jump out of planes and strive to earn another tab. As always make good choices, share if you like what I said, comment if you have something to add, and I will see you on Tuesday.

PS If you were wondering if I wrote this entire blog on my iPhone in the bookstore line, the answer is no. I finally made it to the front and returned the pointless book (I’m not bitter). I did however write over half this blog on my phone. It was time well spent.