A poem to Spc. Sean Stivason in Iraq, written by his mother Tracey Stivason
(Reprinted with the author's permission)
Dear Sean.......I love you and miss you sooooooo much, this Christmas.
I hope that this little poem for you........makes you realize just how much you mean to me.
You stay safe and take care.
===========================================
Twas the night before Christmas...
And I sit here alone,
All is quiet and peaceful...
No one else in my home.
Yes, this year is different...
The children are grown,
Both boys are not here...
They are now on their own.
So, though it is Christmas...
Yes, finally here at last,
I sit here with memories...
Of holidays past.
The boys were so little...
And they loved old St. Nick,
Both joyfully waited...
For the gifts he would pick.
Yes, Christmas was special...
And the love seemed to flow,
With boxes and ribbons...
And gifts with a bow.
The bright red stockings were hung...
The Christmas tree alight,
Everything just sparkled...
And twinkled so bright.
So, I sit here and enjoy...
Memories of the boys,
Remembering all the good times...
And tons of wrapped toys.
Yes, to say I am blessed...
With memories so dear,
It is so hard to believe...
That 2004, is now here.
Well, this year is different...
There are no little boys,
Nor are there boxes and bags...
Big presents or toys.
One son, the oldest...
Is now fully grown,
Has a life of his choosing...
And is out on his own.
Yes, he is caring...
And thoughtful, you see,
He calls me quite often...
Keeps in touch with me.
My other son, Sean...
Who is no longer a boy,
A son that has truly...
Brought me much joy.
Yes, this year he's gone...
To a far different land,
One that is dusty, dirty...
And covered with sand.
This son is a Soldier...
His heart pure and strong,
He fights for our freedom...
And to fix what is wrong.
Yes, he is special...
And close to my heart,
Though the miles between us...
May keep us apart.
So, this year it is quiet...
But in a way it's nice,
Yes, this is due to the Troops...
And all their sacrifice.
This Christmas it isn't Silvertabs...
Nikes or games,
Nor a Cadillac pumping tunes...
Or a Harley, with flames.
No, this year the theme...
Is brown DCU'S,
Ammo and weapons and...
Battle buddies in two's.
A huge 916 and a dozer...
Is now my son's ride....
With an M-16 tucked safely...
Close by his side.
His bed in Iraq...
Can be different each night,
A floor, a truck, the desert ...
Even under starlight.
Yes, no longer a child...
He has become quite a man,
To fight for our freedom...
And protect our great land.
So, this year the gift...
That was given to me,
Isn't in a bright box or...
Sitting under the tree.
Yes, this Christmas present...
Isn't tied with a bow,
Nor a ribbon, or wrapping...
And yet....it does glow.
This year's great present...
Is FREEDOM, you see,
A gift of great sacrifice...
to keep us ..." The Land of the Free."
The warm glow that Freedom...
Brings to all of us here,
The gift our loved ones overseas...
Hold close and so dear.
Yes, They are the Soldiers...
That stand up and fight,
To make our great homeland...
Secure day and night.
So, Thank You, Sean...
For all that you have done,
To give people freedom...
So hard fought and won.
Yes, I miss you, my son...
And of YOU, I am proud,
Lucky to be your mother...
I am crying out loud.
It isn't in sadness...
Just so you know,
I am just crying with pride...
That Proudly you go.
Yes, Thank You, my son...
For your sacrifice,
Your long days of missions...
To give so many, a better life.
Yes, as a mother...
My pride in you does flow,
And my prayers are with you...
No matter where you go.
This Christmas, I send you...
A gift of my love,
And I thank God that he keeps you...
Safe from above.
Merry Christmas, Sean...
My soldier, my son,
Stay safe and stay vigilant...
With all my love, MOM.
Merry Christmas 2004
Proud Mom of Spc. Sean Stivason
Return to Charlie Rock Page