‘Twas the night before Christmas in this Fort Irwin home,

The kids are in bed and hubby’s on the phone.

ACU’s have been washed and hung up with care,

Hoping his promotion soon would be here.

I picked up his boots for the 100th time,

and put them in a place not hard to find.

I signed in to Facebook to wish friends Merry Christmas,

to tell them we miss them and wish they were with us.

As I checked off my list of Christmas cards sent,

I found hidden receipts of all the money I spent.

On trains and cars, clothes and toys,

exactly what’s needed for 2 growing boys.

On candy and goodies to fill up the stockings,

and a nice Christmas feast w/all of the toppings.

I went outside to look at the lights,

with the hopes we won’t hear any test-fire tonight.

When I got back inside, so I wouldn’t forget,

I checked holiday hours for the PX and Shopette.

I looked at our tree lit in red, white, and blue,

with little red stars and red ribbon, too.

I found myself praying for the one’s we hold dear,

the fallen and fighting, those who cannot be here.

Our friends and family who are separated by war,

who’s awakened by rockets – 2 a.m. and at 4.

Who goes through each night praying alone,

wanting to spend Christmas with his family at home.

This Christmas I vow not to forget,

about the soldiers who fight, who cry and who sweat.

To remember the families that they left behind,

the families of soldiers and spouses combined.

So instead of being busy, being selfish and uptight,

remember the ones who fight day and night.

Drop them a line to show that you care,

think of their sacrifices – so hard and unfair…

Then I put on my PJ’s and checked on the boys,

they’re sleeping and snug each holding a toy.

I yawn and I notice the time by the bed,

the boys will be up soon – and that being said….

With my soldier beside me and dog tags in site,

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.