Barbara Anderson of Kalispell has an early Christmas wish for her son: She wants a priceless memory of viewing Christmas lights with family to take with him as he prepares for his first deployment.

Anderson’s son, Michael Gordon, 22, joined the U.S. Army in April and will be sent on his first deployment soon after Thanksgiving. Driving around town to view Christmas lights has been a longtime family tradition, Anderson said, and she didn’t want this year to change.

Her son’s deployment prompted Anderson to send out a plea (via a letter to the editor in the Daily Inter Lake) to the community to put a rush on stringing up Christmas lights and decking houses with wreaths and holiday decorations by Saturday, Nov. 28.

On that night, Anderson, Gordon and numerous family members will board a Montana Trolley Co. trolley on a special Christmas lights tour.

“If we can just give him that memory so he has something to hold on to when he’s over there,” Anderson said, pausing to wipe tears from her eyes ­— something he can remember when Christmas comes.

Anderson said she has heard from people who told her “they have not put lights up in years but they will this year for him. A very sweet lady from Olney is putting lights up for him and will be sending him a video.”

Other people have given Anderson specific streets to drive down to see their lights.

Julie and Scott Ferda, for example, installed their 15,000-light display early at their home at 4312 Montana 40 after reading Anderson’s plea for her son.

“Their story touched us,” Julie Ferda said.

 And Anderson’s neighbor put up lights and gave her family a Thanksgiving turkey.

“I cannot find the right words to really express how wonderful the support has been or how grateful we all are,” Anderson said.

On the day after Thanksgiving the family’s Christmas tree goes up and so will a new ornament.

“I have a special one we picked out for you this year, but I’m not going to tell you yet,” Anderson said to her son during an interview Nov. 19.

Gordon said he is looking forward to their early Christmas celebration. Already the family has squeezed in holidays and other celebrations that he may miss over the six to seven months away from home.

“Actually today we’re celebrating Easter and tomorrow we’re celebrating his birthday,” Anderson said with a laugh, her demeanor brightening. “We’re celebrating a lot of the important things while he’s here. St. Patrick’s Day was yesterday.”

Coming from a line of military members, Gordon, a Glacier High School graduate, said he enlisted to seek direction in his life.

“I’ve grown up a little bit more,” Gordon said.

His mother added that his first mention of being in the military was around age 3 1/2.

“He looks up at me and says, ‘Mommy, when I get big I’m going to be a good daddy and a soldier,’” Anderson said. “He’s halfway there.”

As a mother, Anderson worries about the challenges that are ahead for Gordon, who will serve as a mortuary affairs specialist recovering personnel.

“My father was Vietnam my uncle was Vietnam. I definitely have a lot of reservations. I’ve seen what PTSD does to soldiers. But I’m proud of him because he’s doing something amazing,” Anderson said.

Anderson and Gordon both thanked the community for supporting the military, especially during the holiday season.

“How awesome will it be for him to see that overwhelming support  — for all the soldiers that are away from their families to see that much support from home. It’s a beautiful thing.”

Hilary Matheson is a reporter for The Daily Inter Lake. She may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.