A happy mom

Somewhere in Lincoln, or close by, there has to be one very happy mom.

Someone special is home for Christmas. I met him in the local Target store. No, he wasn't Santa.

He was 20 something, about 6'2" I would guess. He had a perfect smile, was well built,and had great posture. But, the givaway was the haircut. It was butch short on the sides and just a little longer on the top--kind of like a little rug.

"Are you a soldier?" I asked.

"Marine, sir." he said.

There is something about a kid with that kind of conviction that is different from other kids you would meet on the street. The truth is, most kids that age would give an older guy a funny look and probably just push by.

"Well, we're proud of you," I said. "Stay safe."

He smiled, stuck out his hand and shook mine. "Thank you sir," he said. "I will."

Can you imagine how proud his mom is? Can you imagine with all of what's going on today, what goes through her mind when he comes down for breakfast and gets ready to go do something ordinary, like Christmas shop?

I watched him leave the store and blend into the shoppers, the sound of the Salvation Army bells, and the bustle of a Lincoln morning.

Welcome home young Marine. You are one of our very best. Go home to some of your mom's home cooking and have a wonderful Christmas. Most of all, go with God.

And don't believe for one second that more people that you think are praying for you.