I wrote this for my Religion class and liked it so much that I thought I would share it with you. I hope you like it.
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The last few notes of “Do You Hear What I Hear”hung in the air as I looked out my window. Snow fell endlessly down from the sky and I tried so hard to be happy. I mean, this is Christmas Eve. Tomorrow, I would go to mass and have brunch with my family. I would then go home and watch my favorite Christmas movies. But it was so hard to be happy, when he wasn’t here to spend it with me.
My fiancé of nearly a year enlisted in the Army shortly after high school ended. I had met him at the airport when I was saying goodbye to my older brother, who had also enlisted in the Army. I had seen him standing alone when I decided to make a difference for one person in this world.
I walked right up to him and said, “I noticed you standing alone and just wanted to say that I will be praying for you. And I want to thank you for what you are doing for this country.”
The smile that took up his face was enough for me to know that I had made a difference in this man’s life. I found out that his name was Asher and that his parents practically disowned him when they found out he didn’t want to go to college and wanted to join the Army. After talking for almost a half hour, he had to leave. Just before Asher disappeared through the airport terminal, he told me that once he came back on leave, he would find me. And he did.
He found me a year after being in Afghanistan. I was sitting on my front porch when a pair of combat boots stepped into my view. When I looked up, I saw Asher standing in his full army uniform and I couldn’t keep the grin off my face.
“You actually came back?” I had asked him.
All Asher did was smile. “Of course I did. No one has ever said that they would pray for me. I grew up in a non-religious family. But when I met you, I knew I didn’t want that anymore. Next time you go to mass, I would like to join you.”
That following morning, I got up and pulled on the usual skirt, blouse, and heels I wore for mass. A knock on my door let me know that Asher was here and ready to go. I loved going to mass. It was the one place on earth where I knew I wouldn’t be judged.
All throughout mass, I kept a firm grip on Asher’s hand. It was obvious he was nervous and he didn’t know what to do. When it was time for Communion, I kissed Asher’s hand quickly before letting go. When I looked back from the line of people, he was looking worried. I smiled slightly.
After mass, I took Asher back to my house and made him lunch. He seemed in his own world and I didn’t want to ruin that, so we ate in silence. Suddenly a breathtaking smile took over his face. He looked at me and a couple tears ran down his face.
“Asher, what’s wrong?” I asked him.
“Thank you. I found God after 19 years and I have you to thank. If we hadn’t met in the airport last year, I wouldn’t be rethinking my life right now,” he explained.
I got up and hugged him tightly. “That is amazing, Asher. I am so happy for you.”
Just a week later, Asher was sent back to Afghanistan. I was sad to see him go, but I knew it was a good thing he was doing for our country. And even though I was proud of him, I couldn’t keep the fear from consuming me. I just thought of the day that I might get a call saying I would never see Asher again. I already had that happen with my brother. I couldn’t lose another person I loved.
I spent my time waiting for Asher doing what I do best; writing. Someday I wanted to be an author. I knew some of my stuff was good enough. Other stuff was just fun for me to write. Of course, I did work. I worked at a news station, finding stories and writing the facts. I am more comfortable behind the scenes than on camera.
In fact, thinking back on it while I stare blankly out my window; that was exactly the place where Asher proposed. We had been dating for nearly two years. I was at work and my name was called over the intercom. I, of course confused, got up and made my way to the stage. I knew that the news was going on, so I didn’t understand why I needed to be seen.
“Ah, here is our lovely writer, Samantha,” Jane, the lead news anchor, said.
Jane walked off the set and pulled me into the camera’s view. I was seriously freaking out. I hated this. I hated the feeling of being watched.
“Samantha here has a boyfriend in the Army. We have a very special message for her,” Jane said.
A video popped up and I was soon looking into the eyes of my boyfriend. I wished he was here in person. I missed him.
“Hey, baby. I just wanted to say that my life has been so bright with you in it. You showed me what it was like to be loved and love in return. You led me to God and I am forever thankful. That’s why I have a question for you. But first, turn around.”
I turned and gasped. Asher knelt on the ground, a gorgeous ring in his hand. He smiled and asked, “Samantha, my beautiful girlfriend, will you marry me?”
I nodded. The entire news room erupted in cheers and Asher picked me up. He hugged me and pecked my lips quickly before slipping the ring on my finger.
I was pulled from memory lane when there was a knock on my front door. It was nearly midnight. Who would be here at this time of night? I pulled the door open and a gust of cold wind blew against me.
A guy on crutches stood there, a large box covering his face. I furrowed my eyebrows. “Can I help you?”
“Were you expecting anything, Miss?” he asked.
“No, I wasn’t,” I replied.
“Well,” he dropped the box. “Surprise! Miss me?”
I screamed; literally. I jumped into his arms and started crying. “I missed you so much, Asher.”
“Hey, don’t cry. I may be later than I thought, but I prayed to God that I would be home before Christmas. And here I am,” Asher smiled softly.
“I love you, Ash,” I sniffled.
“I love you too, Sam,” he whispered. “And Merry Christmas.”
The last thing I thought that night was Thank you, Lord, for bringing him home.
