Listening to this song today, I am reminded of my cousin Paul. (Yes, I have mentioned him before.) He is currently serving a second tour of duty in Iraq. Unfortunately, like so many other service men and women, he will not be home for Christmas with his family. He will not get to be there when his four kids open their presents at Christmastime. Our entire family will be together for a family Christmas, and he will be the missing piece of the puzzle. I will help his kids with their gifts. We will take plenty of pictures and send them to him.
Secretly, I am going to talk with him and try to video chat with him when the family is together as a surprise to the kids. Hopefully he will be able to celebrate Christmas with his kids and family.
The holidays seem to be the hardest times for military families.
It is my hope and prayer that so many families affected by the Iraq and Afghanistan wars will be able to find some peace this holiday season.
In a bit of good news for our family, Paul is scheduled to end his tour and come home in mid-January. We all cannot wait for that day to arrive.
i don't know if the 2nd pic is of your Paul. whoever he is, he's a good looking boy, but omg his eyes speak volumes - it's like a look of numb anguish. it's heart-rending
ReplyDeletetorchy!
The second pic is of Ryan Conklin. He was a cast member on Real World : Brooklyn. He was called back into active duty while on the show, and many have kept up with him while he is still serving his tour in Iraq. Just another serviceman who will not be home for Christmas.
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