OldTroubador's blog post - Merry Christmas

Christmas is but a couple days away. A time of family, friends, togetherness, peace. Due to the nature of the business I am in, I will be working on that day. But so will many others - emergency personnel, many plants and factories will be running, and of course, the servicemen and women of our respective countries.
Working on Christmas does not bother me though. First and foremost, I was able to spend the weekend with my daughter a few weeks ago and we exchanged gifts on that day. To see her eyes light up and the smile on her face, well, what more does a daddy need? You see, Christmas isn't just a day, an outlined date on a calendar, it is something carried in the heart.
Every time I receive a gift from a friend - some token of affection, or an e-mail saying "How the hell are you?", or just a smile and a "Howdy!!!", that day is Christmas.
Below this is a blog I posted last year as a gift to all of you. To me, it still carries the special feeling I have always had for this time of year. I hope you enjoy it.
I am doubly blessed this year, for a couple old friends and I are starting to reconnect after many months of silence. Thank you Howlin and Sugar.
When I say to y'all that I carry each of you in my heart, I do. I may not be the best at staying in touch, but I think of you every day. I talk to you, I wonder what you are up to, I can see you riding shotgun with me as the Freebird carries us to points unknown.
So on this holiday season, however you may celebrate it, what ever you believe, remember - the spirit of giving is in each of us and the gifts of love and friendship are the ones that mean the most and will stay the longest. Sometimes, that may be all we can give, but that's okay. They are the ones that will be cherished long after the lights come down, the wrapping paper is discarded.
I wish there was the time to sit a write a personal note to everyone, unfortunately, I don't. So this is an open letter to all of you. I am grateful to each and every one of you for your friendship, support, love. And I love and cherish each of you.
May the hope and joy of the season stay with you now and forever.
From the highways and the by-ways, headed out there to where the sky meets the road, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas. Peace on earth, and unto each of you, my friends.
Bill