Merry Christmas to all

The party at Tim & Paula's was special as always,

But there were a couple that were not there, and one to leave shortly, that make it
possible for all of us to enjoy the life style we have.

The below is something sent to me that I always enjoy reading this time of year.
They do it, by choice, for us!!

Thanks Tee, & Matt.

Merry Christmas to all!!,

Uncle John




It was 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 the home did live

I looked all about
A strange site I did see
No tinsel, no presents
Not even a tree

With medals and badges
Awards of all kinds
A sober thought
Came to my mind

For this house has different
So dark and so dreary
The home of a soldier
Now I can see clearly

The soldier lay sleeping
Silent, Alone
Curled up on the floor
In this one bedroom home

The face was so gentle
The room in such 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 realized the families
That I saw this night
Owed their lives to these soldiers
Who were willing to fight!

Soon around 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 the one laying here.

I couldn’t help wonder
How many lay alone
On a cold Christmas eve
In a land far from home

The 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 sleep




I kept watch for hours
So silent and 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”