The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light, I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest, My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white, Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe, Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep, Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem, So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near, But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear, And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in t he cold and the dark of the night, A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old, Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled, Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear, "Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve, You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift, Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right, I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line, That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me, I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam', And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while, But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag, The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone, Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet, I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another, Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all, To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright, Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least, "Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done, For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret, "Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone, To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust, That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."
2007-12-21 06:49:45 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Amen! My nephew is in the navy. He will be deployed for the next 6-7 mos. after Christmas.
2007-12-21 06:57:08 · answer #1 · answered by paula r 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Christmas is about stopping and thinking of others. Not only should we be thinking about the soldiers who are hoping to live through the next moment, but children with cancer, people living on the streets, anyone who currently has no hope in tomorrow. I hope everyone keeps the soldiers in their hearts not only at Christmas but ALL year. All lives can be taken in a single moment that is what makes life as precious as it is. Enjoy your holiday! I know my cousin in Iraq would want you too.
2016-05-25 08:05:58 · answer #2 · answered by scarlett 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hon, thank you seems like such a small thing to say. Do you know that only two people have ever loved the world they laid down their life for it. Jesus and the soldier. We love you and we wish we could help. Remember we are praying for you and it never ceases. You are OUR heroes. God bless you all beyond your wildest dreams.. Peace and God bless from Texas <><
2007-12-21 14:34:43 · answer #3 · answered by jaantoo1 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Surely we should be praying for the innocents caught up in the folly of war. Soldiers choose to pick up a gun, Women and child victims don't. I will be praying for the right things this Christmas and that will not involve soldiers from any country.
2007-12-21 07:17:51 · answer #4 · answered by Jay 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Thank you!
I have some relatives serving in Iraq, so I do pray often for them and all of our brave men and women who are in harms way.
2007-12-21 06:59:28 · answer #5 · answered by David G 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Not being a religious person, I nevertheless back your sentiments, may they all be and remain unharmed and safe
2007-12-21 07:26:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
we should always remember the soldiers
2007-12-21 06:55:57 · answer #7 · answered by Quailman 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
http://off1.imgcup.com/images/allc/holidayBlessings_megaE/holidayBlessings80.gif
2007-12-21 07:00:21 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Amen! God bless them all! And you too!
2007-12-21 06:55:14 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
thank you......we remember you too
2007-12-21 06:55:56 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋