The Wives Who Wait (T’was the Night Before Christmas)

The poem below was written for a friend during her first Christmas away from her husband while he was deployed. My friend, Aprille, shared at christianmilitarywives.com and I wanted to share it here. Her mother wrote it and I thought it was very poignant and empathetic.

I hope you are all having a good Christmas season. If your loved one is deployed, I pray that you are surrounded by loving and supportive family and friends. I also pray that your time of reunification with your soldier comes soon.

The Wives Who Wait

Twas the night before Christmas
And there all alone
I saw a young woman
Who sat by the phone

For what was she waiting
On this holiday night
Where were the stockings
Christmas tree, lights?

I saw one little tear
As it rolled down her face
And she curled up in a blanket
Then looked round the place

Something was missing
Someone not here
In her face I saw sadness
Did I also see fear?

I paused and I wondered
What could it be?
That would cause a young woman
To look so lonely

How could anyone so precious
Choose such a life?
Then I realized this woman
Was a soldiers wife.

Her gift for this Christmas
Is to hear that phone ring
“Hey baby, I miss you
Don’t worry about a thing”

Each day I thank God for the soldiers that serve
Ever willing to fight and lay down his life
But how often do I ever remember think
About the young woman who is that soldier’s wife

Thank you God for these women
They are just as strong
They sacrifice daily
And without help get along

So God please protect our soldiers
On this holiday eve so late
And give an extra hug
To their wives who wait

(written by Jeannie Lining, my mom, during OEF deployment 2008)