Dear Santa,

I need to change my Christmas list

There is one big thing I missed

You see, my daddy's working

Far away from here

And you know Santa

I asked for a Barbie doll

And a brand new soccer ball

But I'd trade it all

For just one gift this year

Bring him home

Today was the day. It had been a year in the making. Today was Christmas morning, barely four in the morning, but I was outside her house.

Out plane had landed less than an hour ago, yet here I was, still in uniform, standing on her porch, nervous like a teenager on his first date. My hands were shaking and my emotions were clouded. After a year of working far away from my angel, I was worried. What I'd she thinks I'm different? What if she doesn't remember me?

A quick rap on the door later, and I noticed a light upstairs turn on. Another couple knocks and someone finally approached the door. The door slowly creaked open, revealing my father-in-law wiping the sleep from his eyes. However the moment his gaze landed on my form, he was pulled from his grogginess. His eyes widened as he gathered me into his arms, the first embrace after returning home.

His cheeks were wet with years. I asked him where she was at and he wordlessly pulled me inside. As he made his way back upstairs, his wife tip toed down. Her eyes enlarged much like his did as she took me in, her pace quickening.

She too enveloped me in an embrace, her soft sobs racking through her body. She whispered my name softly, welcoming me home.

My wife, the beautiful woman I married, descended down the staircase, not alone. My love was wonderful but there was someone else I needed to see.

"Merry Christmas," I whispered.

Slowly her eyes peeled open, not seeing me at first. But when she looked me up and down the The brightest smile spread across her face. Seeing her exhausted happiness was almost worth the countless months fighting for her freedom.

He lips parted as tears poured down her face. "Daddy?"

My now five year old little girl reached out and molded into my side.

"Merry Christmas, sweetheart. Daddy's home."

Bring him home, Santa

Bring him home to Mom and me

Let us wake up Christmas morning

To find him standing by our tree

You can pick him up on your way

He can ride there in your sleigh

Don't make him spend Christmas all alone

Bring him home