If Only In My Dreams

By Glenn A. Hascall

Summary

This Christmas many will struggle with the absence of a son or daughter. In this story one family learns that the experience is not unique -- a special Christmas song was written a few decades ago that explains how their adult child may feel while in the clutches of war during Christmas.

Characters

Husband
Wife
Narrator

Script

(A husband arrives home. His wife is finishing sending an email to her son in military service overseas.)
HUSBAND: How was your day, Sweetheart?
WIFE: (Distracted) Oh, pretty good I guess.
HUSBAND: You guess?
WIFE: (Seems to notice her husband for the first time) What?
HUSBAND: Is something wrong?
WIFE: Oh, (Pause, gets emotional) You know, just little things.
HUSBAND: (Looks at the computer screen then at his emotional wife) Did you hear from Jeron today?
WIFE: (Trying to be brave) I'm sure he's probably real busy right now.
HUSBAND: (Holds her hand as they sit down, quite for about 15 seconds, then the husband smiles) 
Do you remember last year?
WIFE: (Smiles, remembering) Jeron brought some of his Army buddies and I wasn't sure we would have enough food to go around.
HUSBAND: But we did. Didn't we?
WIFE: (Still emotional, but chuckles) I think they went out for fast food afterwards.
HUSBAND: The fries left in the car were a big hint.
(Both laugh)
WIFE: But they never complained. Not once.
HUSBAND: We must have done something right, though. (Pause) We sure do have a great son.
WIFE: But Christmas sure will be lonely without him.
HUSBAND: Yes, (Pause) yes it will.
Voice EFX: You've got mail.
(the couple goes over to the computer. The wife clicks on the mail icon.)
WIFE: (Enthusiastic) It's from Jeron.
HUSBAND: (Pause) Well, what does he have to say, dear?
WIFE: Umm, could you read it. (Wipes tears) I can't seem to see real well right now.
HUSBAND: (Squeezes her hand and moves to the computer and says to wife) All right.
(Looks at screen) Hey Dad and Mom,
You know the routine. I can't tell you where I am or what I'm doing, but I am thinking about you. I sure do love you two. The guys are looking forward to your turkey, Mom. The way things look; we'll probably have to take a raincheck.
I've been thinking a lot about home and I came across something that will tell you exactly how I feel right now. Just click on the attachment below.
Your Son,
Jeron
P.S. In answer to your questions Mom, the answers are yes, no, yes, yes and maybe.
(WIFE smiles as HUSBAND double-clicks, the computer works for a second then a recording of "I'll be Home For Christmas" should be played through the sound system. The wife rests her head on her husband's shoulder as they
silently weep. Let the whole song play. If you have video projector (Power Point) consider using photos of the service men and women asssociated with your church in a slide-show format on your screen as the song plays).
NARRATOR: I'll Be Home For Christmas was written in New York during World War II, by Kim Gannon. Her mind was so filled with thoughts of the war that it's surprising that such a simple - yet profoundly moving poem, set to music, has had such a lasting effect on recent generations. Millions have embraced this song as they seek to connect with absent family members on such an important holiday.
And so we weep with those who weep, mourn with those who mourn and we look forward to a day when we will celebrate Christmas everyday in our eternal home with the Christ of Christmas. One day we'll leave behind the dream of going home, for we'll already be there - and war will separate us no more. Even so, Lord, come quickly!

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Copyright 2001 by Glenn A. Hascall & CMI Publishing
If you use this script would you please be so kind as to let us know? glenn.hascall<a>gmail.com