But for me, there's one song that brings back memories of years past, and hope for years to come... the strains of "I'll Be Home for Christmas" does it every time.
When one of my brothers was attending university in Ottawa, Mom and I would make numerous drives over to pick him up and bring him home. On one trip for the Christmas holidays, I distinctly remember us hearing and commenting on the sentimentality of this song on the radio as we driving through Algonquin Park. At that time, we all would be home for Christmas. My memories also dredge up a time when my other brother was doing post-grad work in Australia, bringing an entirely different meaning to the song....the sentiment that we'd all be together in spirit, if not in person. Even now, when I hear the song as I'm driving north, I'm thankful for my family and the opportunity we have to be together at Christmas.
It is my wish for everyone -- my "extended family" whereever you may be, and to those who find themselves in another community or country for whatever reason -- to take a moment to reflect on being "home for Christmas". Home doesn't have to a physical place, just somewhere you find yourself surrounded by love.
Merry Christmas everyone.
