Cody Kamihara: Come Home Soon

By CHRISTIAN PARANADA

My sister left to college when I was nine years old. She went to Oregon State University for college. She is majoring in engineer. When my sister left for college, everything changed for me, it was as if my life changed forever.

Whenever I’m in trouble, my sister is always there for me, she would pick me up out of my comfort spot and talk to me. She would always make me smile whenever I'm down.

The day before my sister was going to leave for college, we had a barbeque get together as my mom’s side of the family and friends. When everyone was outside in the backyard having a good time, I snuck into my mom’s room and turned off the light. Then my heart shattered into bits and pieces. I started to cry because I was going to miss my sister, and I didn't want her to go.

About 30 minutes later, my mom came into the room and said we were going to pray, she saw me crying. She saw my shirt soaked with tears and my eyes all red and puffed up, like if I was on something. She came and sat down with me and said, “Aye, why you crying?”

I laid back down and stuffed my face in the pillow as if I was a baby about to eat cake.

“Aye, what’s wrong?” she said.

“I’m gonna miss Britney, Mom, I don’t want her to leave,” I said. “I’m not ready to get through tough things on my own.”

She gave me a hug and it made me feel so much better.

After dinner, my cousins and I had to take a family picture together before my sister left. My uncles and aunties had all smiles on their faces and I was broken inside but I just kept it in. That night, I prayed because I didn't know what to do and I was so broken inside.

The next day, my family and I went to the airport to say goodbye to my sister when she left. My Grandma gave her a last hug goodbye, my mom, my day and my sister. After all of them said their goodbye, I was next to hug her. She gave me a warm soothing hug, and I started to tear up on her shoulder. She gave me a kiss on her forehead and she just made me feel comfortable. When she let go, I wiped off my tears.

When she went through the security gate, my family wanted to say goodbye when she turned the corner.

“Ma’am, you may go…”

My family started crying with tears of joy, but my sister did not turn because that’s not like her.

Cody Kamihara has a relatable change, as two of his brothers have moved away as members of the military.

“It’s hard to know that you won’t get a lecture from someone who would always have your back. It’s hard to know that you'll be the only one in your family when they're not there for you. Getting a lecture about life from my brother just feels right because it starts off the day with a good vibe and a source of energy. It keeps me ready for the day and for what's to come.

“It’s kind of weird not seeing him every day because every morning he would start a conversation with me, and he would ask me how I am doing, he would just try to help me through the day and start my day off good.

How did you feel about your brother going away for the military?

“I was kind of sad to know that he was leaving, and he won’t be with the family anymore. Even though he left for the military, I just had to be brave and be a good brother and be happy for him, I wasn’t really sad though because I knew he was going to come back sometime soon.

“One day, when my brother was in the military, he was playing around with his friends with a fire gun. He wanted to use it but his friend had the gun. When his friend was done with it, he tried it out and ZWOOM!! He burnt himself and got a major injury.

What was your brother when he got in the accident?

“At first I didn’t really think it was that serious until I saw my mom crying. I asked my mom what happen and she said, “He got shot.” He is okay now, but he is in intensive care. I was shocked and speechless. I didn't know what to do except to pray. “Dear Lord, help my brother have a safe recovery, just please watch over him and keep him in your prayers. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

“I miss my brothers, them not being here just feels awkward and not the same without them. I wish they can come back.

How do you feel of both of your brothers trying to come back?

“I feel like they're gonna be different and like how it was before because they both have gotten more mature through military and airforce. I miss them both very much but it going to be hard because he will be in a care home.

“With my brothers away, I need to straighten up. I honestly wish I can change into a better person. … Honestly, I really wish I can change into a better person. I think when my brother comes, I will change in a way. My brothers will straighten me up.”