Family First

Short story on the power of value-based choices.

A Value-Based Choice That Changed My Life

After completing graduate school, I was competitively selected to commission into the United States Navy as an officer. At the time, there were three locations available for my first tour: Jacksonville, North Carolina; San Diego, California; or Rota, Spain.

I chose Jacksonville, North Carolina.

On paper, this was the least desirable location for most. San Diego and Rota are two of the most beautiful cities one can be stationed at in the Navy.

My sister had her first child on the way at this time. While I joined the military for a variety of reasons, the opportunity to see the world was one exciting aspect. Family, however, has always been a primary value of mine. Proximity to my only sibling and first nephew was more important than perceptual paradise.

He is now eleven years old and is one of my favorite people in this world.

I recently told him the story of why I chose Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune over two locations I’d otherwise love to go to. We had been looking at pictures and sharing stories from earlier in his life that may have not been possible without that decision.

He knows I met my wife in North Carolina and has become a role model to my children. He listened to my short story and responded with a question that still makes me tear up as a write these words.

He said, “So you ended up finding Aunt Mary Kate and starting your family because of your love for me?”

I had never reflected on this realization before.

As my eyes watered up and my heart swelled, I could only respond with, “Yeah buddy…”

I don’t think I’ve ever given someone a bigger hug.

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Let Love Lead