Soldiers Can't Always Come Home For Christmas

Grandma Lu got everyone gathered around her feet and started her story by telling Kyler and Marlee that once a long long time ago, even before her children were born there was a family that lived in a state called Massachusetts. They had lots of little boys and girls. Their mama and daddy loved them very much. They had lots of fun together. When they grew up to be teenagers one of the girls played piano and sang. Her name was Marie. Just a minute. I have her picture here on my phone. Look! See the quilt on her chair? It's a Christmas afghan that she made.

 Well, one of her brothers, Bob, played the banjo and another one, George, played the violin. They had a friend whose name was Arthur. He played the guitar. They had so much fun. They even won second place in a music contest. Well, some of those boys grew up to be soldiers. Some of them were in the Navy and some were in the Army. It was a long long time ago. In fact it was about the same time that I was just a tiny baby.

In another state called South Dakota there was another big family that I know that also had lots of boys. That family was the Grafing family. Some of them went into different parts of what they call the Armed Service. These soldiers protect our country. They even have to be gone at Christmas time sometimes. Some of the Aubin family and the Grafing family were gone at the same time. They didn't know each other because they probably were in different parts of the world, but you know what? They were all beginning to think that Santa Claus wasn't very important and that Christmas was just something that children liked. They were tired and lonely. They were hungry and sometimes cold and hurt. They missed their family something terrible. They didn't miss the gifts and the Christmas tree. They missed the laughter at their big tables and the teasing and wonderful food. Oh they missed the stories that everyone told on each other at Christmas time.

Marlee said, "My great grandpa was in the Army. I have seen his picture. He wore something called a uniform."

Grandma B and some children that were sitting in the back were being very quiet. Grandma B loved her daddy and missed him very much. The two children that looked sad had a daddy that had just left them to go where he was needed.  But you know what? They still had faith that Santa would be coming. He wouldn't retire. You know why? Because Santa knows that we need at least once a year a day or two to smile and be surprised. To sing and to remember our loved ones that couldn't come home for Christmas.

School programs with music and singing help both you children and your dad because he knows you will smile and be happy. Decorating your beautiful Christmas tree will make your daddy smile knowing that you are having fun. That will be his Christmas present this year; your happiness, Cameron and Arianna.

There was a teenager and a little girl that said, "I know one of those people. He was my Grandpa Wally. I'm just sad I didn't get to meet him, but the stories I've heard he was sure a character."  Grandma Lu laughed and said, "He sure was, Brayce.  Now he was a story teller, that's for sure."

The Aubin and the Grafing families have had soldiers down through the generations flying the flag of freedom. Did you know that my husband has had three children that were soldiers? They are part of the Aubin Family. The Grafings had eight brothers in the Service. I think that Brayce will also someday become a soldier if that continues to be his wish. He has a second cousin that is now part of the Armed Services as well

Addison's mama was in the Army and missed Christmas while she was gone. She also is part of the Aubin Family.

But even though Santa might feel badly because he made a mistake I'm just sure that he won't retire. Because we need him. We really really need Santa. We need his goodness. We need his jolly sense of humor. We need to be able to tell him secrets. We need the very thought of him at least once a year."

As Grandma Lu finished her story there was bright light that shone through the windows of the Sitting Room. It was so bright everyone covered their eyes. What in the world......

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If any of you want your family members added to this story I will be glad to add their picture.