Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Christmas Across The Miles


When you grow up in a military town, and have family and friends who have and continue to serve, the holidays take on a whole new meaning.




You become keenly aware that sometimes families are split apart during a time when family means the most.  That children sometimes unwrap gifts from someone as elusive as Santa some Christmas mornings.




And that the sacrifices made by so many often go unnoticed by those of us racing around to create the perfect family Christmas here at home.  I must admit that I am sometimes guilty of this as well.




But each year as I pull out my ornaments, for trees both big and small, I am reminded of those who are giving of their time, and time with family, so that I can celebrate Christmas as a free woman.




The Christmas cards will arrive as another gentle reminder that not all of us will be whole this year.  That someone will be missing from the table and not eating a home cooked meal but MRE's in the field.  And candles will light windows, not as decoration, but as a hopeful beacon to guide loved ones safely home in the future.




I don't always agree with my government or their policies, but that will never make my love for this country wane or make me stop supporting the men and women who so selflessly serve.  I hope that as we all rush around to complete those last minute details to make our Christmas merry and bright, that we will stop and take a moment, say a little prayer for all those around the world who are suffering and far from home tonight and every night, or those families who have lost loved ones.  May they feel our love, and find their way safely home!   And if you happen to see a soldier, be sure to thank them and let them know how much you care.

This video isn't about Christmas, but it is very touching...enjoy!


23 comments:

  1. Although I am not an American I really feel this sentiment as we have troops "over there" this Christmas again. My nephew will be deployed soon and a family friend will be missing one at the table as he fights to protect our rights, freedoms and for our safety. Thank you for this post. Thank you for the reminder. Merry Christmas.

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  2. On the news I'm seeing more and more soldiers with limbs blown off by landmines and such. Oh, I so want the violence to end! I want these men and women to come home where they belong.
    Brenda

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  3. Well said Kat. I pray that these beautiful and brave men and women will be able to come home soon safely. It breaks my heart that families are so far apart or even torn apart by war and i agree with you, I don't always agree or even understand what our government does but I will never stop praying for our soldiers and their families. God bless them all!

    I love your patriotic ornaments and I am sure that each has a special meaning to you and your family.

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  4. if i could be granted 1 wish it would be that all our soldiers come home safetly.....i have a tree up all yr that is done americana and i so love your uncle sam bead's do you remember where you got them?

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  5. You know that I am an Army Brat, raised in a military family with other Army Brats for friends. This subject of separated families, and the service of our brave soldiers (and Airmen, Sailors, and Marines), almost always brings me to tears.

    Next time you see someone in uniform, or a veteran with his unit proudly displayed on his ball cap, take a second to shake his (or her) hand and thank them for their service. It means a lot.

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  6. Where goose-pimples grow on trees? I'm with George the 3rd on this one - give us our country back, we need it. God bless you all.

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  7. Kat~ what a great post. Thank you for it.
    Happy Holidays!
    Cat

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  8. Oh thank you. I have a Marine who WILL be with us this Christmas, and we are so thankful. He got back from Afghanistan first of October after a deployment in a very violent area of Afghanistan. TOOOOO long for this mama. Thanks for a beautiful post from a mama who is grateful and you warmed her heart... Hugs and have a Very Merry Christmas from one blog sis to another.

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  9. What a heart felt post. Thank you for reminding us all of the sacrifices made by our troops and their families.

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  10. This was a beautiful and thoughtful post to thank our service men and women protecting our freedom. Thank you and may they come home safe, sound and proud.

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  11. Hi Kat,
    Thanks for the reminder of our service men and women, especially at Christmastime protecting us. Your ornaments are a gentle reminder also. My BFF has a Marine who thankfully will be home for Christmas, only to go to Africa right after. Have a very Merry Christmas!

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  12. Kat,
    I love that you have a tree dedicated to those serving...beautiful tribute.

    Merry Christmas!!!

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  13. Kat, I love your patriotic ornaments-they are wonderful! We all must remember the troops and what they do for us every day! I want this horrible war to end and for world peace to be granted!! Thanks for this lovely tribute to those serving our country! GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!

    Merry Christmas Kat to you and your family!

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  14. I am happy to have my hubby home this christmas if only for a short time. Thanks for the post.

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  15. Beautiful post & great video. Thanks for sharing this.
    I'm so thankful for our freedoms.
    USA USA USA!

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  16. Amen....what a beautiful post to remind us all of what is important this time of year!
    Thank you!

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  17. Kat, A beautiful post and an important reminder for us all. God bless all the men and women and families who have given so much for our freedoms. xo ~Lili

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  18. Thank you for reminding us what a wonderful gift "freedom" truly is. May you and your family have a WONDERFUl Christmas Kat. It's been lovely getting to know you in 2010. Best wishes - ;)Sharyne

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  19. Hi Kat, sending Merry Christmas blessings and Happy New Year wishes from Frog Hollow Farm. What a lovely post! Ciao, bella!

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  20. Coming by to wish you a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!

    Blessings,
    Linda

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  21. Amen.

    Merry Christmas, my friend.

    (and i like your redneck decor below!)

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  22. Merry Christmas!

    Love,
    Susan and Bentley
    xxoo

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  23. I enjoyed seeing all your ornaments. My favorite is the King Arms. My parents and older sister have knit stockings from the late 1950s like yours. I was always sad not to have one with my name on it. :(

    Allison
    Atticmag

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