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Murphy Martin Commentary
December 20, 2007

"Americans Open Hearts and Pocketbooks"

As we watched the Dallas Cowboys getting their least impressive game of the year out of their system Sunday afternoon in Texas Stadium, we looked around for more enjoyable thoughts. The Cowboys were not winning in their game on the field but they were again winning efforts to make life better for others during this Christmas season.

On the sideline near the Cowboy tunnel before the game about forty young boys and girls were there courtesy of the Make a Wish Foundation. Wide-eyed with anticipation and wearing big smiles, they watched their favorite players getting ready for the kickoff. These youngsters, with many numerous health problems that curtail normal lives, were enjoying personal wishes come true because of American compassion to help others that seemingly flourishes more at this time of the year. Another Cowboys compassion, is supporting the Salvation Army kettle program that kicks off each Thanksgiving with Gene and Jerry Jones leading the way.

We thought of the hundreds and hundreds of people gathering toys for children that would otherwise have nothing under the Christmas tree, if they even have a tree. Radio and television stations in the Metroplex have gathered close to a quarter-million toys all told to be distributed in the next few days.

Then there are the special displays, such as the magnificent works of Ross Williams at the Scottish Rite Hospital. This retired Mobil Oil employee spent more than 84-hours assembling the holiday display that covers more than 14-square feet and is free to not only those patients that come to that medical facility, but the breathtaking display is free to the general public also.

These are just a few of the hundreds of examples of American compassion at Christmas- time.

Needy families across this area will also share in that compassion.

Christmas music, families gathering, gifts beneath a tree are all a part of this season but there are many far away that cannot be reached in the manner we desire. But they make it possible for us to enjoy the season because they protect our free America. One serviceman wrote the following about them:

It was the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney with presents to give and to
see just who in this house did live.

I looked all about a strange sight I did see, no tinsel no presents not even a tree. No stockings by the mantle just boots filled with sand. On the wall hung pictures of far distance lands. With medals and badges, awards of all kinds, a sober thought came through my mind.

For this house was different, it was dark and dreary, I found the home of a soldier once I could see clearly. The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone...curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home.

The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder, not how I pictured a lone American soldier.
Was this the hero of whom I'd just read, curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed.

I realized the families that I saw this night owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.

Soon around the world the children would play and grownups would celebrate the bright Christmas day.

They all enjoy freedom each month of the year, because of the soldiers like the one lying here. I couldn't help wonder how many alone on a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.

The very thought brought a tear to my eye. I dropped to my knees and started to cry.

The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice "Santa don't cry, this life is my choice. I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more, my life is my God , my country, my corps."

The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep, I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.

I kept watch for hours, so silent and still, and we both sat and shivered from the cold night's chill.

I didn't want to leave on that cold dark night, this guardian of honor so willing to fight.

Then the soldier rolled over with his voice soft and pure, whispered "carry on Santa it's Christmas day ALL IS SECURE." One look at my watch and I knew he was right "Merry Christmas my friend and to all a good night."

Let us not forget American service men and women at this Christmastime. In time of need they answered the call. They may well be one reason so many Americans are opening their hearts and pocketbooks to make this a better Christmas for ALL Americans.

Thank you America. You are still the greatest!

Merry Christmas everyone!

That's my time, thank you for yours.

Murphy Martin

Your thoughts and comments forwarded to my website will be appreciated.

e-mail murphy@murphymartin.com

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