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December 18, 2015

A Soldier's Silent Night

Hello, friends! Happy Friday! Can you believe we are only seven days away from Christmas? I mean, seriously, how exciting? I'm super thrilled minus a cold that snuck up on me yesterday. I was fine wednesday but then Thursday came and kapow, kick in the face. I made it through the work day, but the solo evening [Le Husband was on the road last night] of hot cocoa, sushi, blog drafting and show catching up turned into a night of an epsom salt bath, get you better soup, half a cheesy Christmas movie and bed by 8pm. hashtagsickpeoplepartyofone. Hopefully I can kick this before all the fun of next week, cross your fingers for me, kay?

Before I go, I wanted to share one of my favorite Christmas poems. This time of year we all get swept up in the hustle and bustle of the season and can often forget about those on the front lines. About the men and women that don't get that opportunity to call in to work from home, or call in sick when they've had a rough weekend. Or  the men and women, servicing our country in foreign lands, all in the name of freedom. To many, they are an afterthought and forgotten, but to others they are family dearly missed. In honor of the those overseas, I'm posting the Solider's Christmas Prayer, today. The poem mights say ARMY, but I believe it includes Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and National Guard, too. Hoo-ah & God Bless!







A Soldier's Christmas Prayer
recording found *here*


‘Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house made of plaster & 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 a strange sight I did see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand,
On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.


 With medals & badges, awards of all kind
A sober thought came through my mind.
For this house was different, so dark & dreary,
I knew I had found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.


I heard stories about them, I had to see more
So I walked down the hall & pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping silent alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one bedroom home.


His face so gentle, his room in such disorder,
Not how I pictured a United States soldier.
Was this the hero of whom I’d just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?


His head was clean shaven, his weathered face tan,
I soon understood this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night
Owed their lives to these men who were willing to fight.


Soon ‘round the world, the children would play,
And grownups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,
Because of 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.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees & started to cry.


The soldier awakened & 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.”


With that he rolled over & drifted off into sleep,
I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.
I watched him for hours, so silent & still,
I noticed he shivered from the cold night’s chill.


So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
And I covered this Soldier from his toes to his head.
And I put on his T-shirt of gray & black,
With an eagle & an Army patch embroidered on back.


And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
And for a shining moment, I was United States Army deep inside.
I didn’t want to leave him on that cold dark night,
This guardian of honor so willing to fight.


Then the soldier rolled over,
whispered with a voice so clean & pure,
“Carry on Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all is secure.”
One look at my watch, & I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend, & to all a good night!




Hope y'all have a great day and wonderful weekend < 3

21 comments:

  1. Oh no! Something is definitely going around. So many people are sick now. I hope you feel better soon girlie! Happy Friday! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes

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  2. Such a beautiful poem...I hope you kick this cold soon girl!! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston

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  3. I haven’t seen that poem before but I loved it! Feel better soon lady!

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  4. Hope you get to feeling better soon, I know something is definetely going around.

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  5. I'm rocking a sore throat and a headache over here, so here's to helping we both feel better asap! Love this poem. It always makes me cry and feel so thankful for the brave men and women who are away from families and homes to protect this country at this time of year.

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  6. Got a little bit of dust in my eye over here, dont mind my tears. This was so incredibly sweet! I love it. Thank you so much for sharing. Hope you feel better soon!

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  7. What a beautiful poem. Hope you feel better soon. It's no fun being sick at the holidays.

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  8. lovely words girly! also i hope you feel better soon - everyone seems to be getting sick around here too. here's hoping we're all well for the holiday!

    xoxo cheshire kat

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  9. I love that poem! You're right, we tend to get caught up in the superficial aspect of Christmas sometimes. Also, I hope you feel better soon! I feel ya, I was sick all last weekend part of this week!

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  10. Sorry to hear you got hit with the cold! Hope you can beat it this weekend so you're all refreshed for Christmas next weekend. Happy Friday and enjoy the weekend even if that means R&R! xx

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  11. I hope that you feel better soon!

    I love that poem as well. It always gets me.

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  12. That poem gave me chills. I always try to be mindful of the ones who are overseas during the holidays and the ones who do not get to see their families, and try to always remember them in my thoughts and prayers. I've been sick with a stomach bug since Wed. night and am just now starting to be able to slightly lift my head off the couch. Hope you feel better soon!

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  13. Love that beautiful poem, I may have to steal it and share with my family. Boooo to catching a cold, tis the season unfortunately. Sending big *hugs* and hope you feel better soon <3

    Green Fashionista

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  14. thanks for sharing dear..it's beautiful..my boyfriend works for italian army

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  15. I always get goosebumps when I read poems like that. It really is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season and forget about the men and women and their families who make it all possible for us to celebrate Christmas. Thanks for helping us to remember! Hope you're feeling better and are having a great weekend!

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  16. Such a beautiful poem! Thank you for sharing that!

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  17. Beautiful poem. And great perspective on this season. Thanks for sharing.

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