Here's my Christmas wish to everyone. May God bless you and your family this time of year. It may be difficult because of the loss of a loved one (I've lost several close family members), but remember the good times and the heartache will lessen.
I want to wish all our soldiers a Merry Christmas. I know their sacrifice is more than we can imagine. I also know their families are making sacrifices as well. Children not being with parent, spouses taking care of things at home alone, while soldiers are away.
I pray for safety of our soldiers fighting and working out of the U.S., and for your families here at home.
Thank you and your family for your sacrifices.
God bless you.
Military Poem,
by Marine Lance Corporal James M. Schmidt
(original and revised verses)
Twas 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 just who in this home did live.
I looked all about, I strange sight I did see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by mantle, just boots filled with sand,
and on the wall pictures of far distant lands.
With medals and badges, awards of all kinds,
a sobering thought soon came to my mind.
For this house was different, unlike any I'd seen.
This was the home of a U.S. marine.
The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,
curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home.
He seemed so gentle, his face so serene,
Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.
Was this the hero of whom I'd just read?
Curled up on a poncho, a floor for a bed?
I realized the families that I saw this night,
owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.
Soon round the world, the children would play,
and grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom, each month of the year,
because of the soldiers, like this one lying here.
I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas eve in a land far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.
The soldier awakened and I heard a 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 Corps."
The soldier rolled over and soon drifted to sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours, so silent so still,
and we both shivered from the cold evening's chill.
I didn't want to leave on that cold dark night,
this guardian of honor, so willing to fight.
Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure,
whispered, "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, and to all a Good night."
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I'll see you in 2013. Look for my next novel early next year.
