The Greatest Gift

I'm copying this from a service blog I started writing a couple weeks ago.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

For almost two weeks now I've been reflecting on the sacrifice of a friend of mine, Andrew Britton-Mihalo, a Green Beret killed in Afghanistan on April 25. I don't have time to write much, but this blog would be devoid of meaning if I didn't post a tribute to someone who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Scrolling through a tribute to Andrew on Facebook, I thought about my memories with him. I remember being jealous of him because all the girls seemed to like him. I remember his smile when he was with friends. I remember how serious he would get when we were about to do something challenging - spelunking, kayaking, rock climbing, wrestling. I remember the 5 months I spent on the wrestling team, when Andrew was there to back me up. When the seniors picked on me because I was the new guy (and probably the weakest on the team) Andrew was there. That year - 2002-2003 - was probably the year Andrew and I were the closest. I remember hanging out at his house, playing Star Wars Monopoly. Watching him jump off roofs. Calling me Steve-o, which no one else could pull off. I remember him struggling in the water on swim team as much as I had struggled on the wrestling mat.

I think as long as I'd known him he wanted to join the Army. So that's what he did. Why? For one, that's what he was good at. He was physical, aggressive, and driven. But most of all, as I've heard again and again since he died, he stood up for those he loved. He was a true friend, a dedicated brother, uncle, son.

I only saw him once, I think, after we graduated from high school. It was a couple years ago, right before my wedding. There was pain in his eyes. I don't know much, but I know he'd gone through some tough times. But as we chatted, I knew the goodness in his heart, the love he has for those close to him, was still there.

That's why he fought. Andrew and I were different in so many ways. But that's one think I'd like to think we share - a love for who and what is most important. He is an inspiration. I hope to live up to his memory. When I see him on the other side, I want to tell him his sacrifice was worth it, that I used the life he protected to make the world a better place.