Just a month ago I was envisioning a very different Christmas. One that did not feel very cheerful. I secretly just wanted to get through the day as quickly as possible. Normally, I love Christmas and I cannot wait for the excitement of the season to begin. But this year, I did not know how to celebrate without my husband being home. I didn't know how to make that holiday special for our two kids when I knew their only Christmas wish was to have their dad home. But lucky for us, our deployment was cut short and our kids received their Christmas wish early - Daddy is home for the holidays. This Christmas is already special for us and there really is nothing that I could think of to make this holiday more memorable than having my husband by my side again. We are truly blessed that he is home early and is safe.
But while our family is overjoyed with the return of our Soldier, there are still so many troops all over the world who will not be with their families to celebrate the holiday season. They will continue to work through the day and the night, never letting their guard down for a moment. They will miss their families and they will be greatly missed at home. Their families will put on a brave face and do their best to make the day happy for their children, while at the same time feeling the empty place in their home. This holiday, please remember these brave men and women, their strong families, and the sacrifices that they continue to make. Year after year, they make our holiday celebrations possible, and make it possible for all of us to "sleep in heavenly peace."
To these brave troops and their families, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continued sacrifices. From our grateful family to yours, Merry Christmas!
