A Soldier's Christmas

This morning, I woke my Stepdaughter and we walked the mall together.  Then we went shopping.  I've done over eight miles today bringing my total to 1410 for the year.  Walking around, seeing all the festive lights and decorations, I couldn't help but remember the many holidays I spent separated from family because of military service.  I've spent Christmas Eve driving up to Kuwait to deliver packages to my soldiers so they would have something to open on Christmas morning.  I've spent Christmas morning with our youngest son as we video teleconferenced with "daddy" in Iraq.  Over the years, I've been the single soldier, the deployed officer, and the spouse left behind to dry the tears.  As I walked around today with my Stepdaughter, I was so very thankful to spend this time with her, so very thankful that our family is going to be together this Christmas.  Please remember those who cannot be with their loved ones this Christmas and say a prayer that they come home safely.  Having been in their boots, I know I will.  

A SOLDIER'S CHRISTMAS 

'Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,

in a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone.

I had come down the chimney with presents to give,

and to see just who in this little house lived.

As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,

No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.

No Stockings by mantle, just boots filled with sand,

On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.

With medals and badges, awards of all kinds,

A sobering thought came through my mind.

 For this house was different, it was dark and dreary,

 The home of a soldier, I could now see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,

Curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home.

The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder,

Not how I picture a United States Soldier.

Was this the hero of whom I'd just read?

Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?

I realized the families that I saw this night,

owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.

Soon round the world, the children would play,

and grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas day.

They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,

because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.

I couldn't help wondering how many lay alone,

on a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.

 The very thought brought a tear to my eye,

I dropped to one knee and started to cry.

 The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,

"Santa don't cry, for this life is my choice".

 I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more,

My life is my God, my country, my corps."

 The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep,

I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.

 I kept watch for hours, so silent and still,

as we both shivered from the cold night's chill.

 I didn't want to leave, on that cold, dark night,

this guardian of honor, so willing to fight.

 Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure,

whispered, "Carry on Santa...., It's Christmas Day...., All is secure.

       One look at my watch, and I knew he was right,

Merry Christmas my friend.... and to all a Good Night.

~ Author Unknown *~