Dear Reader,
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.
Below you will find a wonderful poem and some heart wrenching pictures of our soldiers at work.
Please keep them in your prayers as you enjoy this time with your families.
A SOLDIER'S CHRISTMAS
Twas the night before Christmas
they 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 home did live.
I looked all about,
and a strange sight I did see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking on the mantle,
just boots filled with sand,
and on the wall hung pictures,
of home ... a far away land.
With medals and badges,
and awards of all kinds,
just one sober thought,
ran through my mind.
This house was different,
it was dark and dreary,
was the home of a soldier,
once I could see clearly.
The soldier lay sleeping,
silent and alone,
curled up on the floor,
in this one bedroom home.
The face was so gentle,
the room in disorder,
not how I pictured,
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 thought of the families,
that I saw that night.
Owed their lives to these soldiers,
so willing to fight.
Soon around the world,
children would play,
and grownups would celebrate,
this bright Christmas day.
They ALL enjoyed freedom,
each month of the year,
because of soldiers,
like the one lying here.
I couldn't help but wonder,
how many are alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve,
in a land far from home.
This very thought
brought a tear to my eye.
I dropped to my knees
and started to cry
The soldier awakened,
and I heard his rough voice,
"Santa Don't Cry"
this life is MY choice.
I fight for freedom,
and 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 nights chill.
I didn't want to leave,
on that cold dark night,
this guardian of honor,
so willing to fight.
The the soldier rolled over,
with a voice soft and pure,
and whispered "Carry on Santa"
It's Christmas.
AND ALL IS SECURE
Farmhouse Realty
Ripley, WV "(304) 372-2114
Pat Laughlin, "The Land Lady"
(304) 354-9052
unitedcountrylandlady@yahoo.com
www.farmhouserealty.com
Violet Hard, Broker of Record
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