As the fallen leaves swirl in the street and
a northern wind blows tis the season.
Once again it's the season of "brotherly love." Santa helpers ringing their bells and wishing
one and all a Merry Christmas.

The local children pressing hopeful faces at
the Olde Toy Shoppe, watching the displays knowing only good thoughts and deeds.
Parents hustling about loaded with packages
their thoughts of a grand Christmas for all.

Sarah and Jake writing their lists to the
Jolly Elf at the North Pole.  Joan in the kitchen making dinner, a pasting thought of her husband.  Long and lonely eight years since the news of his gallant stand on Wake Island.
Potato soup tonight as not every house was
filled with love hope and cheer in the city.

Larry sitting at Frank's Place, beer in hand with a long off stare in his steely eyes.  All the regulars giving him a wide berth.  For they all
knew and heard his story, for he never really came home.  In the darkest part of night, he is still fighting and dying.  Just one more in the city with no love hope or cheer.

A fresh blanket of fluffy snow covers the city during the night.  Children wake with screams of joy  No school.  Hot cocoa and oatmeal for all.

Shall Larry get to meet Joan?  Will they both find love hope and cheer?

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