She was startled awake by a loud thumping noise. In the dark of night she felt her heart race and pulse quicken. She leapt from her bunk and dashed to investigate. Outside the air was cold and crisp. The wind blew and the stars danced in the heavens. More thumps caught her attention.
His eyes snapped open when he heard the thump. He too became excited and climbed out of bed. He slept on the top bunk and took great care not to wake his cousin sleeping in the bottom bunk as he negotiated the ladder.
She knew what it was. Christmas Eve was not to be a Silent Night.
He quickly put on his robe and stepped out into the cold, wintry night to find the cause of the thumping noise that stirred him from slumber. He looked up but saw only stars twinkling across the galaxy. Some snow fell from the roof, dusting his head with the white powder. He felt his heart racing with anticipation.
She grabbed her flak vest and helmet, putting them on as she ran to the nearest bunker while mortars fell nearby, one of them dusting her with sand and debris. In the bunker she found two soldiers, wounded. She immediately attempted to stop the bleeding.
He came back into the house, making his way to the living room where he found a pile of gifts, ornately wrapped with colorful paper and bows placed beneath the tree. He sat on the couch and stared at the amazing site, hopeful that Santa would know where to find his mom to bring her her presents.
She organized a group of soldiers and found a litter to transport the wounded to the CASH. She stayed and helped the docs take care of them, working tirelessly through the night, not taking a break until just before dawn.
“Merry Christmas” he said to her. She looked up to see Santa standing there in the triage room handing her a stocking. Inside she found a calling card and a note that read simply, Thank You for protecting me and my family, please call your family and have a Merry Christmas- A Soldier’s Angel.
“Hi mom! Santa found me at Grammy’s house! Did he find you?”
“Yes son, he did find me. Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas to you too mom, I miss you.”
Christmas presence from a soldier and her family. Sgt Hook out.
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Sgt Hook Gives Us His “Christmas Presence”
