Twas the night before Christmas, the house seemed so
sad,
Early this year, this family lost “Dad.”
He’d been a soldier, in Afghanistan serving,
To help free people, now thankful, deserving.
His wife and the kids have cried a river of tears,
They had known this could happen, through all of the years.
It’s a dangerous business, no place for wimps.
Some don’t come home, the other with limps.
As I slipped down the chimney, I really did dread…
That I’d fall straight apart in this house with war dead.
I ‘crept from the hearth, wondering if there’d be a tree
What my eyes beheld, in the land of the free.
The home was still decorated, with the tree and some
lights
The milk, plate of cookies, and some other tasty bites.
Next to this was a note, from the boys up in bed,
I picked the page up and here’s what it said.
Dear Santa we know that you’re busy and need to be
speedy
So we’ll keep it short, we don’t want to sound greedy.
You know already that our Daddy’s not here,
He went to heaven, why it’s not perfectly clear.
Tonight as you travel across the cold Christmas
skies.
We want you to help, take the tears from the eyes.
Of the other kids missing a Mom or a Dad.
Please help them to realize that it’s not so bad.
He died doing what he thought to be just, to be
right,
His nation had called him, to head off to the fight.
To free the oppressed and protect us all here,
He went with a smile, a heart without fear.
A few months ago, we had gotten the news
An airplane was missing, along with its crew.
Up in the mountains with weather so cold,
One of the missing, our daddy…a pilot, so bold.
Later we learned that God had called him that day
He needed a pilot, so tough and so brave.
We cried and we cried and the tears would not cease,
Daddy’s college friends wrote, Mike…be thou at peace.
We need your help Santa, for our Mommy tonight,
She misses him so, they were so tight
All we want for this Christmas is for her to be happy,
Knowing Daddy still watches over us all, a flier so scrappy.”
Could I help these poor kids? I scratched my old head.
I snuck up the stairs and found Mom in bed.
Her eyes were still red, it was plain she’d been crying.
But a smile on her face, in her dreams she was flying.
Along with her pilot…her husband…her mate…
This lady was special, so obviously great.
My task wasn’t tough, really it ain’t.
After all, my name is Nicholas and I am a saint.
I straightened my suit, combed back my long hair…
Then as quiet as a mouse, I pulled up a chair.
I touched her sweet face and closed tight my eyes…
My mind it was reeling, I started to cry.
Then inside my head, I heard a soft voice…
“Santa it’s Mike. Buck up, you don’t have a choice.
You know where I am…and I’ll tell you quite clear,
If I can’t have Christmas there…it’s much better right here.
I’m no longer with them, they know that it’s true,
That doesn’t mean I can’t see what it is that they do.
When you pray for my wife and my kids Christmas night,
Please let them know that I’m on duty and I am alright.
My crew here is safe and we’re flying tonight…
Take a look over your shoulder,
You need to “check six.”
That’s us right behind you…Chief, give him some flicks.”
Santa it’s time.
Your job here it through…
The night’s not half over,
you’ve still plenty to do.
No need to worry, you need to be quick.
They’re in great hands, Jeanette’s got the stick,
You prayed for them and showed them the way,
A soldier still stands guard over them every day.”
I knew he was right, it was getting late..
The world I’d half covered, I just couldn’t wait.
I stopped by the rooms of each of his boys…
I had to be careful to avoid clothes and toys.
Mike Jr., Thomas, and Ricky lay snug in their beds…
A blessing to each, I gave…touching their heads.
“Your daddy was special fighting for peace,
May you boys all be spared when this conflict’s ceased.”
With that I took leave from this Hawaiian home,
Through the skies I’d be flying, though not alone.
I did look back a number of times, more than a few.
And yes, on the horizon was my heavenly escort crew.
