More Than a Name On A Wall

Today is Memorial Day. A grateful nation stops to give thanks for those who gave their lives so we can live in freedom. And we grieve with those who lost their son, daughter, husband, wife, dad or mom.

Song: More Than a Name on a Wall
Artist: The Statler Brothers
Album: The Definitive Collection

I saw her from a distance as she walked up to the wall
In her hand she held some flowers as her tears began to fall
And she took out pen and paper as to trace her memories
She looked up to Heaven and the words she said were these

She said, "Lord my boy was special and he meant so much to me
And though I'd love to see him just one more time you see
All I have are the memories and the moments to recall
So Lord could you tell him he's more than a name on a wall"

She said, "He really missed the family and being home Christmas Day
And he died for God and Country in a place so far away
I remember such a little boy playing war since he was three
Lord, this time I know he's not coming home to me"

She said, "Lord my boy was special and he meant so much to me
And though I'd love to see him but I know it just can't be
So I thank you for my memories and the moments to recall
But Lord could you tell him he's more than a name on a wall."

"Lord could you tell him he's more than a name on a wall."

I Believe In Santa's Cause

This will be my last blog about Christmas (for this season).

I grew up knowing Christmas was a celebration of the the birth of the Christ - born in a manger in Bethlehem to Mary and Joseph. God with us.

Our family always celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve night (Santa had to deliver to some families early). If Christmas Eve fell on a Sunday we would go to evening services and worship God and his baby, Jesus. Then we would go home and celebrate opening presents and sing about Santa Clause. I never got mixed up and did not grow up warped from the experience. (Well, if I did grow up warped it was not from this experience!)

This song kind of sums up how I feel about Santa. And this also a "tip of my hat" to Mom and Dad who have kept a great balance in our family's Christmas experience all these years. Tomorrow evening we will gather with them again along with one of my sisters and her family celebrating Santa's cause and reason for the season, the Christ child.

Song: I Believe In Santa's Cause
Artist: The Statler Brothers
Album: 20th Century Masters - The Christmas Collection

Never heard a snowman talking
Never seen a reindeer fly
Nor seen a wooden soldier walking
Nor met a Santa eye to eye

Now there are those who don't believe
in miracles or Santa Claus
But I believe what I believe
And I believe in Santa's cause

Never heard an angel singing
Never known a scrooge to smile
But I have heard sleigh bells ring
And light a spark in some small child

For kids and trees light up at Christmas
As well as preachers and our lawns
And light a Santa way at Christmas
I believe in Santa's cause

There's a Santa world at Christmas
Turning to the world's applause
So hang a bell for ole Saint Nick
'Cause I believe in Santa's cause

Now there are those who don't believe
In miracles or Santa Claus
But I believe what I believe
And I believe in Santa's cause

Something You Can't buy

It is good to remember at ALL Christmases but we might need a real reminder this year in light of the current financial challenges the nation is facing. The best Christmas present to your family is to just be there.

My parents have always made our Christmas gatherings a special time that as I look back I realize money could not buy. This song is a great reminder of it. I cannot listen to it without a moistened eye.

Song: Something You Can't Buy
Artist: The Statler Brothers
Album: 20th Century Masters - Christmas Collection - The Statler Brothers

The greatest Christmas present
Is something you can't buy

When World War 2 was over
We trimmed the tree alone,
But we saved the star for Daddy
Cause Daddy was coming home
We bought Momma a new dress
We bought Daddy a tie,
But he brought us each something
That money couldn't buy

The greatest christmas present
Is something you can't buy
I've talked to Pa this evening
For an hour on the phone
He said don't spend a lot on presents
(now son don't you spend a lot on presents)
We just want you to come on home
(you know all me and Momma want is you all to come on home)
But we'll buy Momma a new dress
And Daddy another tie
And we'll spend lots of time together
And that's something you can't buy

The greatest Christmas present
Is something you can't buy

Some day - and I know it's coming
When all of us won't be together there for Christmas
(I hate to face it but we won't always be together for Christmas)
You know Daddy's seventy-three
(it seems hard to believe but daddy will turn seventy-three)
And to pay back all he gave me
I can't but I will try
I'll pass along to my kids
Something they can't buy

The greatest Christmas present
Is something you can't buy