Christmas Presence

Growing up my parents helped make the Christmas season a special time of year for me. From the incredible decorations and tree put up with artistic precision by my father to getting Christmas cards sent out by mom to the wonderful smell of fresh baked apricot and nut cookies to delicious mushroom soup made by my father. The Christmas Eve service at a packed church with a beautiful rendition of 'Oh Holy Night' that took you back to the manager. Having friends and family over after service at my parents house was joyous. Cookies, hors d'oeuvres, drinks, music and laughter ruled the evening. Christmas morning was incredible. The magic of opening gifts wrapped with the utmost care by my father brought a big smile to my face. And when I got older the joy of giving mom& dad gifts equaled then exceeded what I received. Then I enjoyed going to church on Christmas morning. Later in the afternoon we would head up to my aunts with what one could only describe as a decadent feast. My aunt could out cook anyone on the Food Network. Ham melted in you mouth. The most moist turkey you ever had. Chicken soup with homemade noodles. Apple and pumpkin pies that made you always want a second piece. After we went home I always fell asleep with a smile on my face. I was blessed that all three of my children were able to experience this as well. With all that being said my parents always made sure the focus was on the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Fast forward to today. My parents and my aunts and uncles have passed away. Unfortunately the last time I spoke with my cousins was when my mom passed. I have resigned myself to the fact that we probably will never get together again and that saddens me a great deal.

In 2011 my life took the best turn possible when I met and married my soul mate Valerie Geis Horosz. Soon after that God blessed me with employment after looking for three years and in 2014 God saw fit to bless me with the best job ever in IT with Publix Supermarkets.

I can't say enough about Valerie's parents. I see both my parents in both of them and I am truly blessed to have them in my life. They really do make me feel loved and a part of the family.

My wife truly enjoys decorating the house for Christmas. Lights, decorations, garland, battery candles, and a beautiful tree with ornaments made by my dad. It looks fantastic !

In 2019 we had one of the most incredible blessings of our life as our granddaughter Eliana Grace Skaggs was born this past July. Words cannot express the inexplicable and unbelievable joy she brings to our lives - so much so we went up a few weeks ago to see my children and our granddaughter.

Three years ago in October I found out through a Facebook post that one of my cousins passed away. It really hit me hard. When I sent a sympathy card to her husband I remembered what he told me when my mom passed away - "we never hear from anyone anymore". It all makes sense now.

I wanted so desperately to recreate what my parents had. But I've come to the realization its gone. For one reason or another my family has splintered into their own units - with brothers and sisters only. Despite attempts to reach out to my cousins they have not responded.

It's up to Valerie and I to make memories for our children to enjoy and remember. Whether it's a phone call to Columbus to wish our children Merry Christmas or taking them out Christmas Day for a special dinner the message is always the same - we love you !

The best part of Christmas to me is not presents but presence - the presence of Christ in our hearts and in our home.

Merry Christmas !

A Soldier Died Today

For you dad:

JUST A COMMON SOLDIER

(A Soldier Died Today)

by A. Lawrence Vaincourt

He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast,

And he sat around the Legion, telling stories of the past.

Of a war that he had fought in and the deeds that he had done,

In his exploits with his buddies; they were heroes, every one.

And tho’ sometimes, to his neighbors, his tales became a joke,

All his Legion buddies listened, for they knew whereof he spoke.

But we’ll hear his tales no longer for old Bill has passed away,

And the world’s a little poorer, for a soldier died today.

He will not be mourned by many, just his children and his wife,

For he lived an ordinary and quite uneventful life.

Held a job and raised a family, quietly going his own way,

And the world won’t note his passing, though a soldier died today.

When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state,

While thousands note their passing and proclaim that they were great.

Papers tell their whole life stories, from the time that they were young,

But the passing of a soldier goes unnoticed and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land,

A guy who breaks his promises and cons his fellow man?

Or the ordinary fellow who, in times of war and strife,

Goes off to serve his Country and offers up his life?

A politician’s stipend and the style in which he lives,

Are sometimes disproportionate to the service that he gives.

While the ordinary soldier, who offered up his all,

Is paid off with a medal and perhaps, a pension small.

It’s so easy to forget them for it was so long ago,

That the old Bills of our Country went to battle, but we know

It was not the politicians, with their compromise and ploys,

Who won for us the freedom that our Country now enjoys.

Should you find yourself in danger, with your enemies at hand,

Would you want a politician with his ever-shifting stand?

Or would you prefer a soldier, who has sworn to defend

His home, his kin and Country and would fight until the end?

He was just a common soldier and his ranks are growing thin,

But his presence should remind us we may need his like again.

For when countries are in conflict, then we find the soldier’s part

Is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honor while he’s here to hear the praise,

Then at least let’s give him homage at the ending of his days.

Perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say,

Our Country is in mourning, for a soldier died today.

©1987 A. Lawrence Vaincourt

Memorial Day Tribute To My Father

In honor of my late father William F. Horosz Sr. AOMC 1 who proudly served his country on the USS Lexington CV16 (nicknamed "The Blue Ghost") from 1943-1945. Dad thank you for your service to your country and for being part of "The Greatest Generation". Know you are loved and greatly missed by us all.