Santa and the Soldier

[jeweldog]

I was driving home from my son's doctors appointment... and we were enjoying Christmas music on the radio.  A song came on called "Santa and the Soldier" it was a poem with Manheim Steamroller's "Silent Night" in the background.  The poem was about Santa who comes across a soldier who is far from home sleeping on the ground in a dreary, gloomy shelter and how he was moved to tears.  I was taken back to my days in the Navy serving off the coast on Iraq and Bosnia at Christmas time.  Me and some shipmates huddled together in a quiet corner of the ship sharing goodies from our care packages and sharing stories of the holidays at home before we have to hurry off for another 14 to 16 hour shift.  I was lucky to have enough time to choke down a depressing Christmas dinner in the Galley before running back up to the freezing flight deck.  We didn't complain... we knew we had a job to do for the country... but in my heart I was longing for the warmth of family and friends back home, gathered around the tree, sing carols, and my mom's special dinner. 

About that time I started to cry... not for the past... but for those who are serving on distance shores far, from their families.  For the children who's parent is fighting instead of decorating the tree.  I know the loneliness and the heartsickness this time of the year bring to those who are serving.  I sent a prayer into the universe that next year they will be home, in the arms of those who love them. 

If you can... send a card out to those overseas... It lets them know that they are not forgotten... or even a care package.  Don't forget those who are serving or their families.