Harry, Amy, Corey & Kyle Simmons
*sigh* I always get all choked up when I see our soldiers over in Iraq on TV wishing their families a Merry Christmas, it just doesn't seem fair that they have to be away from their loved ones on Christmas, but any one of them would say "It's what I signed up for, it's my job" ...
I met Harry Simmons when I was 13 years old when I was camping with my family one summer, we have been friends ever since. Harry got to come home from Iraq for 2 weeks earlier this month, his wife, Amy is stationed in Oklahoma, away from her family & friends, it's just her & her boys, the boys cry for their Dad all the time, when he was home for those two weeks, they celebrated Christmas early & Amy said the boys were stuck to their Dad like glue the whole time he was home, Amy said he couldn't even go to the bathroom without them coming in there with him.
A lot of the soldiers in Iraq don't get to come home at all, they are deployed for a year to 18 months at a time & when they come home their kids are unrecognizable, some have babies born while they're gone & don't even see them till they're over a year old. Harry is back in Iraq now, he had to say goodbye to those boys again so he can serve our country and make it so *we* can be with our families at Christmas.
I have a girlfriend at Church who has 4 children, she is raising them all by herself, her husband isnt due back from Kuwait for a year & they will be spending Christmas alone, without their daddy too.
I am writing this because I want everyone to remember our Soldiers and the sacrifices they make for *us* and for our great country. Pray for them, pray for their families who are without them and remember them this Christmas while you are safe, in your homes, spending Christmas with your loved ones.
Merry Christmas.
Awwww, what a lovely family! And what a good post! My heart goes out to the familys who can't be together this holiday season, that would just be terrible! I'm glad that Harry & his family were able to celebrate together tho, even tho it was early!
God Bless Harry and all those that serve. My nephew was there in Iraq two years ago and may go again next year.His young wife amazes me how she handles things when he is deployed with two young kids in military life for 15 years he is my hero but she is too for being strong and carrying on when he has to go. Merry Christmas to you and your bearutiful family. 
Happy Holidays To You,
Jennifer... first of all, thanks for reminding us of the sacrifices Harry & other soldiers make every day. My heart aches for them and their families.
this is such a stressful time for those who are left behind......may all of our troops come home soon and may they and their families be spiritually close this Christmas....nanza 
What a beautiful post and BOY do we need those reminders...Often we go about our own lives and forget those who make it possible! Thanks for helping me remember and I will add them to my prayers tonight on Xmas Eve...
God bless ALL the men and women who serve to ensure our great country's freedom, and may he bless their families and keep them strong until they are safely reunited with their loved ones. We all need to be reminded how much we take for granted every day, our warm beds and homes, the clothes on our backs, warm meals and transportation, freedom of religion, and most of all being able to be together in peace with those we love, especially during the holidays. Thanks for a great post, Jennifer. May you and yours be blessed with peace, health and happiness in 2006! 
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