Sometimes it seems
Like I'm the only one 
who misses you...
remembers you.

I was just a 
young girl of nine
but I remember
you could be 
my best friend
and the one
who picked on me
the most.

I remember your smile,
your laughter and jokes.
I remember you not being
home for Christmas.
Most years, you were
serving your country
in some foreign land.

For this was who you were,
a local football hero,
youth leader at church,
Airman United States Air Force.

Its been many years
yet one photograph of you
remains stained into my memory.

You were in your flight suit
arm around a friend.
I also see the triangular folded flag
they gave your parents 
after you left. 

I wish I could still
see you in person, 
Because its Christmas 
15 years later, 
I haven't felt the 
Christmas spirit yet,
Something is missing.

I think its you.