December 15, 2010

RTW: On a serious note, Santa...

Each week, YA Highway hosts Road Trip Wednesday, a blog carnival in which contributors discuss a topic on their blogs and invite readers to do the same. This week's RTW topic is:

You spot Santa at the mall, climb onto his lap, and whisper that you've been a good boy or girl in his ear. What do you want Santa to bring you this year? Go wild! Have fun! After all, you earned it!

I don't mean to spoil the fun spirit of this week's RTW (which is an awesome topic), but really, if I could have anything...

My brother, Iraq, Christmas 2007
I'd want my brother home safe in the States.

If Santa could fit the other 100,000 troops in Afghanistan and 50,000 troops in Iraq in his sleigh, that'd pretty much make not just my day or my Christmas, it'd make my universe.

As we celebrate Christmas, keep in mind how many empty chairs and heavy hearts there are around the country, spouses and parents and children and siblings missing their Soldier or Sailor or Marine or Airman with all their might.

My brother's unit has lost so many men this deployment. One is far too many, but the number of men they've lost is... I can't imagine a strong enough word, but let's just say it's devastating. As Christmas approaches, I think about and pray for my brother's safety and well-being, and I also think of the names and faces of the men we've lost, imagine what this Christmas must be like for their loved ones...

It breaks my heart. It makes me appreciate what I have.

If you come across a service member or their family this Christmas, please thank them. It will mean more than you know.

7 comments:

Rachel Bateman said...

What a wonderful reminder of what is important this time of year. Even though I don't know your brother, and really only cyber-know you :), I pray for his safety and think about him quite often. Your heartfelt posts about him really show how much love you have for him and the rest of your family.

I hope he has a safe Christmas (and every other day) and comes home safe and sound.

Kate Hart said...

{{{hug}}} I would happily give over all my wishes to grant yours.

Pam Harris said...

Aww, you made me all teary. Your brother and everyone else oversears are definitely in my thoughts.

Alicia Gregoire said...

Like Pam, I got all teary too. I hope your brother remains safe and comes home soon.

Angela said...

How sweet to wish for your brother. I hope he is safe and well.

Kaitlin Ward said...

I second Kate! I hope he's able to come home safely soon.

Jennifer Hoffine said...

Thank you for this reminder that so many families have much greater worries than getting presents bought and wrapped on time.

Best wishes to you and yours!

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