The True Meaning of Christmas

I have been very emotional today just thinking of my Brother who is out serving our country at war in Iraq. It seems as though time has paused. Though Christmas tends to bring chaos and rushing Ive had time today to slow down and take time out to think of what is really important at Christmas time. That to me is FAMILY.

My brother will never quit understand the impact he has had on me for he is just to humble of a person to take the credit. Hes a wonderful friend, brother, son, and uncle. He is intelligent, kind, thoughtful, gentle, strong, brave, positive , funny, and has an undying amount of trust in the Lord and has never let fear get in the way of achieving his goals in life. I love his perspectives on life and I have enjoyed hearing his advice and insights into understanding my kids and their boyhood. He has taught me to live life to the fullest and never let fear get in the way of experiencing it. For those of you that know me I am terrified of roller coasters. Last summer we went to Six Flags with my brother and I will never forget his unconditional love and support he gave me as I took the vow to rid a coaster with him. It was a moment I will never forget. He has stood by me through all my fears and now I stand by him with prayer in his understandable fears at war. As I look at these pictures of him I ask myself a couple questions. "what would my brother do with a Wii, IPod, money, or any other lavish gift"? Absolutely nothing! Those doent even lie written on his Santa list. Why would it be on mine. I bet the one and only thing he would ask for this Christmas would to be home with his family.

How we take for granted the simplest of gifts to be the most cherished. I sure miss my brother. I miss his listening ear when we get together and chat about our silly lives or all the wacky inventions and theories we have. If I could ask Santa for one thing, it would be to bring my brother safely back home to us next year. For without family Christmas just isn't the same!