Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Dear Santa

Dear Santa Clause,
I don't know if you remember me, it's been so long since I've written you. Ok, it's been literally years. I can't even remember the last letter I wrote you, but I'm pretty sure it was printed in block letters on phonics practice paper and smudged with mac and cheese stains. Needless to say, I've grown up a lot since then. I don't know if you'd say I'm on the nice list this year....I make enough mistakes that I'm sure I wouldn't be. But I'm not really asking for me tonight anyway, so save the coal for my brother-in-law. It's two weeks before Christmas and I think it's time we talked.

See, Santa, I could ask for a lot of things this year. I could ask for those new tennis shoes, that gym membership I'm missing, a gift card to go clothes shopping like I haven't done in a long time, a bigger kitchen, new jewelry....I have a list. But really, when I stop and look at it, those things seem so irrelevant. They aren't irrelevant to me, but there's something I want above all of them.

If you could bundle up all the Christmas joy that I have right now--the excitement I feel over lights, trees, candles, music, family, presents, fires in the fireplace, nipping cold, Advent celebration, too many sweets---if you could bottle up all that joy and take it to my sweetheart in the desert I'd really appreciate it. See, Santa, he can't be here to celebrate all that with me. He can't be here to look at lights from the car window while holding my hand. He can't open the present I want to get him. He can't see his parents on Christmas day, or see his sister smile, or watch his cousins play with their new toys...he can't hug his grandparents and tell them Merry Christmas, and I know he misses that a lot. If he misses it half as much as I miss him then he's hurting pretty bad, because I know I am. So don't get me anything this year, just bring him some holiday happiness there in the sand this season and tell him it's sent with love from his Sarahbeth. 

And while you're on the job, I know there are a lot of other spouses and children who aren't going to see their military loved ones this year too. Some of those kids won't ever see their parent at Christmas again. So while you're spreading some joy around, fit an extra present on the load for them from me...because I know that I'm living in freedom because of their sacrifice. I wish I could thank them myself. They are just as cherished as those overseas because it takes everyone to make the military work.

Think this is something you can pull off for me? I knew I could count on you.

Thank you so very much.
Yours very sincerely,
Sarah

P.S.
My brother-in-law really does need coal....just don't tell him I told you. It won't be peace on earth if you tattle. OK, just so we're clear.

3 comments:

Tricia said...

I LOVE it. Beautiful. Made me cry. Thanks for being strong, and knowing you aren't alone!

Anonymous said...

hahaha that's funny! And sad too

Anonymous said...

I saw your blog link on The Pioneer Woman and thought I would take a gander.
What I saw was this post...so touching and tender.
I thank you and your husband for the sacrifices that you both make. I hope that our Savior makes this holiday season meaningful for the both of you despite the miles.