A sea of white snow stretches as far as the eye can see, but all his gaze meets is a river of golden sand. The blasts of winter has forced me indoors seeking heat, but heat is the comfort and burden wearing down upon him. My world has become silent, tucked under the covers of winter, and I eagerly await for the days of holiday to approach. But his world is torn, rocked by the currents of war, and he wishes for the day, where he can return home.

As this year concludes, another chapter of the war ends, and the story remains unfinished. Our soldiers still have their part to play. Their actions overseas is still required in hopes of keeping order. Their lives remain on the line, a line, where their family and friends have hung their hearts. Will another year have to pass before the story finally comes to an end? Will the soldiers finally take a bow, end their part in this, and return home to us? How much more time must we wait and hope for this story's end?

The news is something that I try to avoid. I wish to not hear or see the horror stories of war, the death toll rise in the East, and not know that more of our soldiers have been lost. The more I hear or see of it, the more sick I feel. Haven't the days of war been told enough? When will war cease to exist? Is peace merely a dream?

And as the days of war continue into next year, our soldiers remain away from home. Our only connection are letters, phone calls maybe, and hope as well as prayer. They might be a world away, but they are held close to our hearts. And we wait. We wait for them to return.

I do understand the need for war. I honor those willing to fight for freedom. There are indeed times, where we must take action and meet the enemy head on. There are times when we need war as long as it is the right war. History is written by the hands of battle, and maybe the essence of it won't ever die. But how long must it rage on for? Until order is restored, or when chaos reigns?

And the story continues. The days of war lie ahead. My world and his continue to change, promising to never be the same. No matter how dark the world might get even under the brilliant sun, there is no telling how this will finally end, but when this war does come to its conclusion, I do hope that our men and women overseas safely return home. And for those lost on the grounds of battle, a war-torn world, their lives will continue to be remembered for their bravery, courage, and dedication in the heart of victory, the soul of freedom.