Wednesday, December 14, 2011

twas the night...

some of ben's buddies have just returned from the "sand box" and some have left. four soldiers were just killed monday night in a helo crash at ft. lewis...
just about 30 min from our home.
many loved ones are lonely.
many families are broken.
many wives are now single.
many children fatherless.
many hearts yearning...

please continue to pray for all of our soldiers both here and far. pray for their families that are near them and far from them. pray especially for peace during the christmas season...where it is so hard to be alone during this season!

{four fallen but not forgotten}


when ben was having a rough day this past week a friend of mine from a few years back sent me something that reminded him of ben...

I wanted to pass it along to you all as you remember to pray for every man and woman who serves our country...

twas the night...
Twas the night before Christmas, and he lived in a crowd, In a 40 man tent, with warriors so loud. I had come into the tent with presents to give, And to see just who in this rack did live. I looked all about, and a strange sight I did see, No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree. No stockings were hung, j...ust boots close at hand, On the locker hung pictures of far distant lands. He had medals a...nd badges and awards of all kind, And a sobering thought came into my mind. For this place was different, it was so dark and dreary, I had found the home of a Soldier, this I could see clearly. The Soldier lay sleeping, silent and alone, Curled up in his rack, dreaming of home. The face was so gentle, the barracks in such good order, But not how I pictured a United States Soldier. Was this the hero whom I saw on TV? Defending his country so we all could be free? I realized the families that I've seen 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 new Christmas Day. They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year, Because of the Soldiers, like the one lying here. I couldn't help but 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, for this life is my choice." "Defend my country this day, the peace do I keep." The soldier then rolled over and 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 night's cold 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 and with a voice soft and pure, Whispered, "Carry on Santa, it's Christmas. All is Secure."

6 comments:

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

Thanks for sharing the story, Katie. I've read it before and it always tears me up. I didn't know about the soldiers that were lost in helo crash, will definitely keep their families in prayer. Hugs to you and Ben at Christmas time!

Lauren said...

I recorded that poem for my technology class this past summer in honor of E. not being home for Christmas this year. Brought my professor (and me) to tears.

B. Wilson @ Windy {City} Wilsons said...

God be with their souls.

I truly want to hug their family members. It's such a lonely season to be missing someone and to know that someone was so young.

Anonymous said...

I just got back from watching a soldiers children while his wife had their third child. One of the hilo's was his. It was/is a very difficult time for him. His wife was almost two weeks overdue. I told him Father knew this was going to happen and He delayed the birth of his son to comfort him and bless him through this time. Blessings and Hugs, Marion

Unknown said...

Tear. Thank you for sharing this story. My thoughts and prayers are with all those serving.

Blessings, Mari

Mrs. Pancakes said...

Such a thoughtful story...thanks for sharing!