Great little story, We all owe a thank you to those whom this day stand
in harms way so we can celebrate Christmas in Peace . Merry Christmas to
all the Americans whom Serve our country, The Elliott Family
Larry and Sandi Miller wrote:
> Twas the night before Christmas, and he lived in a crowd,
> In a 40 man berthing, with shipmates so loud.
> I had come in the exhaust stack 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, just boots close at hand,
> On the bulkhead hung pictues of far distant lands.
>
> He had medals and 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 Sailor, this I could see clearly.
>
> The Sailor lay sleeping, silent and alone,
> Curled up in his rack, dreaming of home.
> The face was so gentle, the berthing in such good order,
> But not how I pictured a United States Sailor.
>
> 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 sailors 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 Sailors, like the one lying here.
>
> I couldn't help but wonder how many lay alone,
> On a cold Christmas Eve, on a sea far from home.
> The very thought brought a tear to my eye,
> I dropped to my knees and started to cry.
>
> The sailor awakened and I heard a rough voice,
> "Santa, don't cry, for this life is my choice."
> "Defend, the seas this day, the peace do I keep."
> The sailor 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 Sailor rolled over and with a voice soft and pure,
> Whispered, "Carry on Santa, it's Christmas Day, All is Secure."
>
> ----------
> "There's no downside to being nice."
> - Sandra Bullock
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