Merry Christmas Stoney

I am in my warm home, with my children who have everything they need and most of what they want, and with my lovely wife close by (who is everything I need and want), celebrating Christmas and trying hard to remember the reason for the season amid the frantic pace of this culture.

In the middle of it all, I miss. I miss Stoney. He always knows what to say, always knows what to do, always makes you feel like a king, always makes the occasion and takes the event to another level. He is not warm. He is not with his wife. He is a long way from his home. Because he is...I am enjoying the holidays.

I can't begin to understand all that he and his are doing, going through, enduring, protecting, and making possible. I am thankful, but still way too self-centered. I am amazed, but still way too distracted. I am remembering, but still so preoccupied. I am so far removed from the cold, the danger, the sacrifice, the courage, the honor...but not from the missing. Today I am missing a brother, a hero, a friend.

So from a warm house in Texas, from a sister, three little nieces and me, Merry Christmas Stoney. There is no one like you. You are such a blessing.

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.