A new era

I hugged them both a second time.  I desperately held back tears.  And then I watched them walk towards security, towards their airplane, towards their trip to South America.

It's the beginning of a new era.  Brad and Katie started their adventure yesterday.  They'll be back.  In nine weeks.  But only for a short time--then they'll leave for grad school, and the Peace Corp. 

It's just hard not having my brother here.  Easily accessible when I need him.  I really miss him already.