It's a Wonderful Life
by Ludie B
It is a wonderful life, this Air Force life and sometimes it takes on the characteristics of a holiday classic. This happened to my family and has become a tradition to re-tell the story. Over twenty five years ago I received notice of a remote assignment to Korea. My son, then four, was confused as to why his Dad had to leave for a year. He not only wasn’t accepting of the separation but just didn’t know why he couldn’t go to this far off place. Finally the day came and with many tears I walked down to the airport gate. From the first day, my son lectured all the adults in his life how his Dad was going to be home for Christmas. Patiently these adults explained to the four year old that it was impossible for his Dad to be home for Christmas. Some unexpected good news came to the small family, a baby brother would be coming in October. Everyone thought this would keep my son occupied as the holidays approached. Still the declaration that Dad would be home for Christmas was proclaimed by the young boy. In early December the newborn baby developed pneumonia. I was requested to be shipped home, welcome news from the Red Cross. After being picked up late at night and a quick hospital visit I went home to rest. The next morning I went to to pick-up my son. The look on his face when he first saw me is still a memory I cherish. Then as loud as a little four year old can exclaim, my little boy cried, “ I told you Dad would be home for Christmas”. It’s stories like this that are carried in the hearts of Airmen everywhere and make the Air Force Family strong.