A Much Different Christmas Story Than You’ve Ever Read Before
‘Twas the night before Christmas; he lived all alone, in a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney with presents to give, and to see just who in this home did live.
I looked all about, a strange sight I did see, no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree
No stocking by mantle, just boots filled with sand, on the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.
With medals and badges, awards of all kinds, a sober thought came through my mind.
For this house was different, dark and dreary; I found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.
The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone, curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home
The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder, not how I pictured a United States soldier.
Was this the hero of whom I’d just read? Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?
I realized the families I’d see this night, owed their lives to these soldiers, who were willing to fight.
Soon round the world, children would play, and grownups would celebrate, a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year, because of soldiers, like the one lying here.
I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone, on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye; I dropped to my knees and started to cry.
The soldier awakened, and I heard a rough voice, “Santa don’t cry, this life is my choice. I fight for freedom and don’t ask for more; my life is my God, my Country, my Corps.”
The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep. I couldn’t control it, so continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours, so silent and still, and we both shivered from the cold night’s chill.
I didn’t want to leave on that cold, dark night, this guardian of honor so willing to fight.
Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure, whispered, “Carry on Santa, it’s Christmas day, all is secure.”
One look at my watch, and I knew he was right. “Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night.”
Anonymous
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Next week’s blog posting returns to serious matters affecting the manufactured housing industry and landlease community asset class, going into year 2011. Don’t miss it! GFA
Hint. A very special edition of the 22nd annual ALLEN REPORT, a.k.a. ‘Who’s Who Among LLCommunity Portfolio Owners/operators Throughout North America!’ will be distributed during January 2011, to subscribers to the Allen Letter professional journal. Will you be a recipient of what might be the last ALLEN REPORT researched and published? To ensure you are, phone the MHIndustry HOTLINE: (877) MFD-HSNG or 633-4764 to subscribe today! Price per standalone copy of report is $450.00 postpaid.
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George Allen, Realtor®, CPM®Emeritus, MHM
Consultant to the Factory – built Housing Industry &
The Landlease Community Real Estate Asset Class
Box # 47024, Indianapolis, IN. 46247
(317) 346-7156.