I have a list of folks I know, all written in a book,
And every year at Christmas time, I go and take a look.
And that is when I realize, these names are all a part,
Not of the book they're written in, but of my very heart.

For each one stands for someone, who has crossed my path sometime,
And in that meeting they've become, the rhythm of the rhyme.
And while it sounds absurd, for me to make this claim,
I really feel I am composed, of each remembered name.

And while you may not be aware, of any special link,
Just meeting you has shaped my life, much more than you can think.
For once you've met somebody, the years cannot erase,
The memory of a pleasant word, or of a friendly face.

So never think my Christmas cards are just a mere rountine,
Of names upon a Christmas List, forgotten in between.
For when I send a Christmas card, that is addressed to you,
It's because you're on that list of friends, I am indebted to.

For I am but a total of the many folks I've met,
And you are one of those, that I will not forget.
And whether I have known you, for many years or few,
In some way you have had a part in shaping things I do.

And every year when Christmas comes, I realize anew,
The biggest gift that life can give, is knowing folks like you.

Wow! It's been like forever since I've written a blog or whatnot on Xanga. More like over a year. I guess da reason why I wanted to start back was because of someone special. I mean I do not know the person yet in person but waiting for the right time I guess. Who knows right? Hm. Ever since I left for Iraq things in my life haven't been the same. Just like when I had left for Basic and AIT. Being away from home I can handle for a certain period of time. It's really the stress that I need to overcome being the battlezone. It's really hard trying to concentrate on my job in Iraq because of many obstacles of fear I need to overcome. Many times I've been shot at and bombed close to me. It's not really a game when your actually in these reality situations. Most time I try to calm myself and think about my family home. Meanwhile, I think to myself as a guardian over my family and friends back home. If not me, who will? I guess my sacrifices as a soldier mean a great deal to me and in my life. I've always wanted to grow up and be a soldier and protect America who gives us asians and other foreign nationals the privileges to stay in America to live a better life. Now that I'm in Iraq I really get second thoughts about why I just couldn't be like everyone else and go to college and succeed in life. This is a life of a soldier. That is why our slogan has changed to " Army Strong". I hope my dedication and sacrifice is suffice to bring my family honor. Until next time...... Specialist Park signing out...