""I enlisted in the army and went home to visit my family, and I learned that my cousin asked me to replace him as a soldier.""
In 1975, my fifth year in the army, I had already been promoted to a cadre. I took advantage of the leave to go home to visit my parents and returned to my hometown in a military uniform. My parents were so happy to see me that they prepared my favorite braised pork.
Coming from a poor family, I have suffered from the hardships of life since I was a child, and even white-flour steamed buns are a luxury. Fortunately, after I became a soldier, the situation at home improved slightly. From being a soldier to being promoted to a cadre, I have always been grateful to all those who have helped me.
This time, in addition to visiting my parents and attending my brother's wedding, I also went to the brigade to visit Uncle Zheng, the commander of the militia company. If Uncle Zheng hadn't helped me intercede for me at the Armed Forces Department of the Commune, I might not have been able to become a soldier.
My parents were farmers, and my family made a living from farming. I also have an older brother who dropped out of school early to help his parents farm in order to fund my education. Actually, I always felt that I owed my brother a lot. When I got home, I brought my brother a pair of leather shoes to wear when he got married.
As soon as I got home, I was busy preparing for my brother's wedding. After the wedding, I had time to go to the brigade and gave Uncle Zheng two bottles of wine. Uncle Zheng and my father were classmates in elementary school, and when they heard that I had been promoted, they were happy for me and encouraged me to do my best. While chatting with Uncle Zheng, I learned the surprising news: it turned out that my cousin had given me the opportunity to be a soldier.
After graduating from high school, I lost the opportunity to continue my education, which left me with regret. But thankfully, I learned a lot of skills on a construction site in my hometown. However, just as the dam construction was at a critical juncture, my cousin told me that there was a conscription in the village, and my father told me to go back. I asked my cousin to go back first, and I planned to ask Captain Wang for leave immediately. But Captain Wang was reluctant to let me go, the deadline was urgent, and he said that he couldn't find anyone to replace my job. I had to stay for the time being, but I was very anxious.
Eventually, I missed the last chance to sign up. I was so anxious that I asked Uncle Zheng for help, and we went to Minister Zhao of the Commune's Armed Forces Department overnight. However, the registration time has passed, and Minister Zhao is helpless. Fortunately, Uncle Zheng took me to Instructor Liu, who was in charge of the recruitment. Despite the urgency of the situation, Instructor Liu finally decided to give me a chance.
Although the registration was successful, the following physical examination and political examination were not all smooth sailing. Even during the political trial, I was framed. Luckily, Instructor Liu finally chose to believe me. Eventually, I was accepted into the military and embarked on a military career.
After enlisting in the army, I trained hard and performed well. Life in the military has made me stronger and more confident. It wasn't until I was promoted to a cadre and went home in a military uniform to visit my family that I deeply felt my growth and change. 
After returning to Uncle Zheng's house, we talked for a long time, and I learned that I was able to successfully enlist in the army because my cousin voluntarily gave up this opportunity to me.
My cousin is a year older than me, and we grew up together. My cousin's father was the director of the commune, and after graduating from high school, he worked as a temporary substitute teacher in the village. After learning that I had lost my chance to enlist in the army, my cousin did not hesitate to give up his opportunity and gave it to me. Later, Instructor Liu gave me the opportunity to enlist in the army.
After leaving Uncle Zheng's house, I bought a gift and went to my cousin's house. My cousin got married the year after I joined the army. He told me that he could go home and become a teacher instead of being in the army, but I had no choice. I am grateful and will always remember my cousin's kindness.
With the resumption of the college entrance examination, my cousin was admitted to the university. After graduating, he gave up his job in the city and returned to his hometown to become a teacher.
In 1995, I changed jobs and returned to my hometown. Looking back on my military career, from joining the army to going to military academies and then returning home, I am full of gratitude. There are so many people I want to thank for this journey. I will always remember their kindness. I also pass on this kindness to the recruits, hoping that they will inherit it as well.