Given today's cultural significance I thought it would be appropriate to highlight a member of our Armed Forces - my friend Steve Bragale.
The Steve Bragale action figure comes replete with little daughter Sophie accessory!
I have known and been friends with Steve since our senior year of high school, which is close to a decade now. In that time we've been roommates, co-hosts, and adventurers together. We've had a number of fantastic memories that I cherish, and difficult times that we've weathered. We have both seen each at our best and worst and in our highest and lowest moments. And while we are not as immediately close as we used to be, it is my belief and hope that we will always be friends.
When you get to know someone over a period of 9 years, from high school through college and into the 'real' world after, you have an opportunity to truly watch someone develop through a deeply formative time. In the case of Steve Bragale it's been a tremendously rewarding experience to watch him find true love with his best friend, overcome personal obstacles for the sake of self betterment, and to see him now as a devoted husband and father - where he shines. He has found a place to use his natural drive, intelligence, and fierce competitive nature for the betterment of his family and his country by joining the US Army, where he was at the top of his class and became a sharpshooter. And while I am personally terrified for the day he may see combat, I'm also very proud of him.
It's difficult to judge the strength of a friendship until it's been tested, and there was a an unfortunate period of time where it felt like our relationship was strained. In some cases friendships of mine have fallen when put to that test. But, and I think this is true for us both, at no time did I ever think this one would be worth losing - because it wasn't. And the fact that we are still great friends to this day is a testament to the strength and worth of that bond. Steve is a great guy - funny, loyal, and possessing a deep strength of character. So many of my definitive college memories involve the two of us together - from singalongs in the Bunker, to rap battles at WMUC, and having my first alcoholic drink EVER in his basement. I can't wait to see what Sophie is like in the future, with he and Jackie guiding her way.
And honestly, I don't think I realized how much I missed him until I wrote this.
May the Bat-Team Assemble again soon.
No comments:
Post a Comment