Bette Midler - “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”

This is the song that first taught me that some dreams don’t come true, and that’s ok too. I’m sure your thinking that it taught me that sometimes dreams are the only thing you’ve got some Christmases and that you don’t always make it home when you plan on it, as the lyrics go, but the truth is much more human.

At the ripe old age of 8 years old, for the first time ever, I didn’t receive a solo that I had auditioned for in the choir. It was the opening descant to “I’ll be Home for Christmas” and I. Was. Devastated.

Don’t be afraid, I did end up getting a hefty solo later in the program, but not getting the one I wanted taught me that loss is a part of art, and that that’s ok. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’ll never forgive Mrs. Johnson for giving Jessica Jacobs that solo even though she was sick when she auditioned, however, not getting to sing that solo has made me love this song even more, in such a different way. Each year I think about singing this song and the solo I didn’t get and I giggle.

This song has become such a touchstone for me. Living far away from home and family it constantly reminds me to be grateful for the time I have with the ones I love. It helps me to remember that others are not always so fortunate. 

So today, with silver wings calling, I choose Bette Midler’s “I’ll be Home for Christmas” as my, with candles in the windows, light on the trees, with the porch light on, song for a, carols by the fire, cooking in the kitchen, one more embarrassing story, Thursday.