Intro: What if Kelly had a dad in the Marines? He wasn't going to be coming home for another year, or was he?
I was watching Marines surprising families and this story came into my head.
Beg. (Kelly's POV)
So today our teacher told us we are going to be writing letters to Santa for our annual Christmas party. Everyone was so excited to be writing letters. I don't understand why anyone would be happy about it. I am not too happy about writing a letter to Santa, why would I be. My daddy is gone in Iraq and not coming back for a whole year. Would you be happy? I got out my paper and started writing to him.
Dear Santa,
Hi. My name is Kelly Gibbs. I have been good this year. I know that you are waiting to hear what I want for Christmas, but I don't want anything. I know what kind of 7-year-old doesn't want presents for Christmas. I know it is impossible for my present to come but it is worth a shot. I want my daddy home for Christmas. My daddy is a marine and works hard for us to be free and safe. But thanks for listening Santa. That's all I want for Christmas.
From Kelly Gibbs- 7 years old.
(3 days later)
So today is the day before we go home for break. The teacher told us we would be getting Santa's replies before we go home. We got to school, and Santa didn't send anything. WE did our classwork and lunch came around. I brought my lunch box with a sandwich in it. I have a picture of daddy and I fishing and I'm wearing his suit top. I smiled at the picture. We all headed out to recess after words and then we had history. That is my favorite class. Recess got down and we headed back to the classroom. We walked in and the desks was moved into the corner. The teacher came in and smiled. She said, "We are going to sit in a circle today because someone special came today." The door opened, and it was Santa! I looked at the door and waited to see if daddy was behind him. I sighed when nobody else came in. 1 more year before he comes. I really miss him. Santa smiled at everyone and said, "I read all your letters and got the presents you asked for." He smiled, and I sighed knowing he couldn't bring my daddy home. He passed out everyone presents. Wow they got what they wanted. He saw me and said, "Kelly, why don't you come sit on Santa's lap."
I went and sat on his lap and he said, "Why didn't you ask for something?" I smiled, "I didn't want any presents. Everyone always presents. You know I wouldn't even care if I lived on the streets as long as my family was with me. But for Christmas all I want is my daddy home for Iraq. He is a marine you know. He is the bravest man I know and the kindest and sweetest daddy ever. You know one time he came home from Iraq and gave me and my mom chocolate and said he was sorry for being late. He was only late by 1 min, but to my daddy that it really late." I looked at Santa, "I'm sorry, I'm rambling. I always get that way when I talk about my daddy. I'll get off your lap now. I only have 365 days left until daddy come home and that's ok. As long as he gets home safe and sound." Then Santa smiled and started taking his beard and hat off. What's going on? He took it off and it was daddy. He smiled, "I'm home early baby girl." I smiled and hugged him. I knew I felt tears, but I didn't care. If daddy is home, that is all I care about. I looked at daddy, "Daddy your home." He smiled, "yes baby girl. Daddy's home."