Posted on 12/20/2010 6:15:17 PM PST by laurenmarlowe
I know this gets posted every year, but I figured I’d do it once more....
‘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 *~
Feeling better, still healing though; I'm glad I have some time off.
I hope your Christmas week is going fine!
How's life treating you?
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Busy, busy, busy day?
Thank you.
I’m still feeling down and stressed out.
How's the weather down there?
Another busy day for ya?
Then an EXTRA big *HUGS* for you Sand.
You are in my prayers.
Several more days should show great improvement.
Just take it easy...and rest! :)
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care..
I meant to ask...is the family coming home for Christmas?
*HUGS* back atcha!!
Hope you’re feeling better, and heal quickly PROCON!
*HUGS*
*hugs* teen.
and I’m feeling stressed out and very much down. Almost like I have the weight of the world on my back. Seems like nothing I do is exactly the way it should be in the way that someone else think it should be or in the importance that they think it should be in.
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