T'was the Night Before Christmas...

T'was 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 who in this dwelling did live.

I looked all around, a strange sight to see. No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree. No stalkings on the mantel, just boots filled with sand, on the wall hung pictures of far distant lands. Metals, badges, awards of every kind. A sobering thought came alive in my mind.

This house it was different. It was dark, it was dreary. I had found the home of a solider, I could see that most clearley. The solider lay sleeping silent and alone. Curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home. His face was so gentil, the room in such disorder. Not at all how I pictured a United States Solider.

Was this the hero of whom I jest read. Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed. Then I realized the other families that I saw this night, owe there lives to soliders who are willing to fight. In the morning around the world children would play. Grown-up's would celebrate a bright Christmad day! But they all anjoy freedom each month of the year, because of soliders like the one laying here. I couldn't help but wonder how many lay alone, on a cold Christmas Eve in lands far from home.

The very thought put tears to my eye. I dropped to my knees and I started to cry. The solider awakend I heard his rough voice, "Santa don't cry, this life is my choice. I fight for freedom. I don't ask for more. My life is my God, my country, my core." The solider rolled over and drifted to sleep, but I couldn't control it and I continued to weep.

I kept watch for hours, so silent and still. As both of us shivered from the cold nights chill. I didn't want to leave him on that cold, dark night. This guardian of honor so willing to fight. Then the solider rolled over with a voice soft and pure he whisperd "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, may God bless you this night!

Love, Shannon xoxo