Tuesday, December 29, 2009

A Sodier's Christmas Letter Home

We're in our Post-Christmas Recovery period. The house is a wreck, tempers are getting short, and everyone is getting sick of sugary foods. Until my brain can function again, I'd like to share with you (with Jason's permission) part of the letter he wrote to us and his parents on Christmas. He had had a pretty terrible day; nothing life-threatening, but filled with work frustrations and the general depression that comes from being half a world away on Christmas. The letter detailed the day of work where he was unsuccessfully trying to get awards approved for many of his soldiers, but then ended with this:

...I called home via video and saw my kids with the new gifts that Santa had brought and how excited they were. Emma was so anxious to start building her her Lego set and George was busy being a Transformer in his new Thomas the Train PJ's...you should see the pictures...they show such happiness. I step outside to let my eyes dry out a little bit and as I walk around my living area I hear Soldiers laughing, chillin' to music through their doors and several outside exchanging their own Christmas traditions with each other. I am so privileged to be amongst such great people. Whether they know it or not, they motivate me in so many ways. Then I realized, we aren't getting shot at, or rocketed. Convoys are at a minimum and those I did see throughout the day had garland straps on the most massive up armored vehicles you have seen. I saw Soldiers in full battle gear today laughing with full combat ammunition lads walking to their convoys wearing Santa hats. I watched my kids bounce up and down with joys at the sight of their new gifts. My family is safe, the sky is clear and the night is quiet with no one asking for an award of any caliber... all is calm.

For all of this I am thankful. I have the most supportive and loving family and am surrounded by some of the most amazing people who are willing to give everything and ask for nothing. There are no perfect awards nor are there the most perfect people, but there are ones you love and trust. I am a lucky man to have what I have and only hope others can have a part of what I have. My Christmas was awesome and I wish you and yours a very Special Christmas and a safe and happy new year. My gift you ask...easy...I'm thankful for what I have.


8 comments:

Dave said...

Criminy ... it sure got dusty here in the office all of a sudden.

Thanks, Jason. That was awesome.

I hope this letter leaks out and gets read all over the web.

Anonymous said...

Good thing I don't wear eye makeup... cuz it would be running down my face now! What a beautifully written letter. I'm with Dave, I hope this makes it to the web. It is a reminder to all that we need to be thankful for what we have. This is such a stressful time of year for all and then being separated (for any reason) makes it more difficult. Stay strong. with our love and hugs,
Sue and Butch

Anonymous said...

Oh, Meg. Thank you for sharing this with us. I am going to have my hubby read it to ... there isn't a day that goes by I don't think of all the men and women who aren't at home right now, fighting a war to keep all of us safe.
yeah, i am crying too!!!!
HUGS to you

Beth said...

Thanks for sharing Meg. This is a lovely sentiment and an important thing for us to remember every day of the year . . . . the men and women fighting for us.

I think of you all often!

loonyhiker said...

Wow! This had me crying and hubby wondering what was wrong with me. Thanks for sharing! I'm keeping y'all in my thoughts and prayers.

Kathleen said...

What a Soldier! What a man! Thank you for sharing.

Tanya @ TeenAutism said...

Such an insightful letter. Please send along my appreciation!

Kim said...

That is an amazing letter! Thanks for sharing it.