Twas The Night Before Christmas ...

There are many versions of this but since my husband is Airforce i chose to post this one ...

Twas the night before Christmas, and 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 what manner of person in this home did live.

I looked all about, a strange sight did I see;

no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.

No stocking by the mantle, just boots filled with sand,

And on the wall hung many pictures of far distant lands.

With medals and badges, and awards of all kinds,

Suddenly a thought so sobering came into my mind.

For this house was much different, it was so dark and dreary,

I was in the house of an Airman, once I could see clearly.

The Airman lay sleeping, silent, all alone;

Curled upon the floor in this one bedroom home.

The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder,

Not exactly how I imagined I'd find an airman soldier.

Was this the hero of whom I'd just read?

Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?

I then realized the families I saw on this night,

Owed their lives to these airmen who were willing to fight.

For soon 'round the world the children would play,

And grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas day.

They all enjoyed their freedom each month of the year,

Because of the airmen, like the one lying here.

I couldn't help wonder how many more lay alone,

On a cold Christmas Eve, in some land far from home.

The very thought brought a tear to my eye,

And I dropped to my knees and started to cry.

The Airman awakened and I heard a rough voice,

"Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice;

I fight for our freedom, I don't ask for more,

My life is my God, my country, my Air Force."

The Airman rolled over and drifted back to sleep,

But I couldn't control it, I started to weep.

I kept watch for hours, so silent and still

Until we both shivered hard 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 Airman rolled over, and with a voice soft and pure,

Whispered, "Carry on, Santa, it's Christmas Day and all is secure."

One look at my watch and I knew he was right

Merry Christmas, my friend, and to all a Good Night!

On christmas day be sure to all take a moment & remember the troops currently deployed throughout the world & for the family they have left back home. I am lucky to have my husband by side this Christmas & know not every year will be this wonderful. I wish you all a very merry christmas & a happy holidays!