In 1952, my daddy traveled with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This meant he would (1) a lot of time away from home.
As (2) came near，he called my mother and (3) why he would not be celebrating the holiday with us. Money was tight and he didn't have a way to get back to his (4) Though she was (5) , Mother knew he was right. When she told us the news, it really (6) me, and I went to bed on Christmas Eve with a (7) heart.
When we (8) up on Christmas morning, Santa had conic. I still remember what gift we (9) that year. We were all happy with our gifts, so we went outside to play. As we were (10) I looked up and thought I saw my daddy in the distance I ran inside to tell Mother. She did not (11) me and told me not to make up stories. My mother (12) it just wasn't possible. (13) I was sure it was Daddy！I turned to go back outside when I heard familiar footsteps. Daddy was home！As I (14) into his arms, Daddy explained that he had tried (15) to get home for Christmas, but without success. At last, a group of the workers had decided to drive. But the (16) guy lived miles away. So Daddy started (17) on Christmas Eve until he arrived home. He had walked all night！
Though the (18) that year were wonderful, tile best gift was not found under the (19) . Daddy's special surprise made this my most (20) Christmas.