The temperature drops and the ice freezes over the streets making them emptier than usual. Empty streets means an empty town and more time to myself to think. It’s the start of winter and the holidays are drawing near soon. Thinking about the holidays, I get excited knowing that I’ll get to spend this time with the people I love the most. Despite having all my loved ones around me, I remember that one special person is still going to be missing from the picture.

You’re off to Twentynine Palms, California, that’s almost 1,300 miles away from me. You always hear about people getting homesick, but you never know what it’s like if you’ve never experienced it for yourself. I don’t even know what it’s like as a matter of fact. You’ve been gone for almost a whole year now and my only Christmas wish is for you to come home. But I know I can’t be selfish, I know I need to let you finish training and work on yourself. Even though you might not be home for the brightest time of year, I know that the best gift I can give to you is my support from 1,300 miles away.

Even though I’m going to miss you beyond words during the holidays, especially Christmas, I know you’re 1,300 miles away focusing on yourself which if the best gift I could ever ask for.

Rather than dwelling on your absence, I remember all of the things I have to look forward to. Things like being with mom, dad, our siblings, and the whole family. We spend this time of year creating memories that’s going to last a lifetime. The kind of memories that make the best stories to be passed onto generations to come. Those are the kinds of things that are irreplaceable and that’s the most valuable gift anyone could ever give. Forget about the materialistic things and focus on the people that support you the most, the people who put you into your happiest element, your family.