It was my first Christmas away from "home". We had just moved away (for graduate school) 4 months earlier, I had just had baby #3 (Mini Rob) and I was homesick....terribly homesick.
That's when I heard THE song. It played over and over again on TV (I think it was on a JC Penney commercial) and it was so bittersweet for me. I fell in love with it instantly....it reminded me of "home" (who knows why)...but it made me excruciatingly sad at the same time (let's not forget the fact that I was severely chemically imbalanced (PPD) at the time).
I decided I had to have it...I don't remember how I discovered the name of it...but I searched and searched until I found it....and I did...on I-Tunes.
I cried as I wrote my sisters (I have four) an e-mail introducing them to my newest musical find and why it meant so much to me (it reminded me of them).
They all fell in love with it too.
Two days after Christmas, Roberto and I flew our little family "home" to Utah for a visit. I was so glad to be home. The warmth, love, and familiarity were just what I needed. And I soaked it up.
Fast forward a few more days to New Years Eve. The family is all gathered, enjoying one another's company, exchanging gifts, exchanging laughter (amidst a whole lot of noise). An announcements is made...my sisters have a special gift for me.
Nat pulls out the guitar...the others gather close...and then she begins to play.
It's THE song.....MY song. I was completely shocked...but not surprised...my sisters are just the BEST like that (not to mention, incredibly musically talented). They had learned it....in such a short time....just for me. To remind me of "home". To remind me of how much I am loved and missed. I cried.
I still cry, thinking about it.
My sisters are the BEST. My family is the BEST. I am truly blessed to come from such good folks.
This year...I'm not going "home" for the holidays....at all. We were supposed to go for Thanksgiving. But we didn't.
I wish we had.
I wish we could be there for Christmas, too. But we can't.
So...to my family (all 37 of you (+2 on the way))....I say...
I LOVE YOU! I MISS YOU! THIS YEAR JUST WON'T FEEL THE SAME WITHOUT SEEING YOU!
But....
for now....
At least we have The Weepies.
(can't tell you how many times I've listened to it already today...sniff, sniff).
Just one easy click!
6 comments:
I miss my sisters too! It's just not the same without them. I remember that song too, it's great!
Christmas won't be the same without you, either. This song has become one of the Christmas "Musts", and I was just playing it the other day, thinking of you. It's YOUR song...always will be. Love you, Mel!!
always wanted to have a sister... oh well, maybe in my next life (when I'm reincarnated as a cockroach, LOL)!
remember, you do have your extended family with you this Christmas - in your heart (and you in theirs).
Wow, what sweet sisters! I think they are pretty amazing too, and I haven't spent that much time with them. You guys are all so wonderful and we are so grateful to have you in our family too! What an awesome story of family love that binds!!!
Hey Mel--I think of you every time I hear the song. We all feel a little homesick at Christmas, even when we're at home. Probably because everyone isn't here. You're in our thoughts and prayers, though. Hang in there and focus on the JOY. Love you!
I totally got tears. What great sisters! Mine are that great too! Merry Christmas!
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