I heard the bells on Christmas Day

I'm very grateful for family this Christmas. I'm so grateful for my sweet parents. I did not get to spend Christmas with them this year, but I did get to talk and FaceTime with them which I am very grateful for. It isn't easy being away from home during the holidays, and it's been to long. I like to pretend that I am tough and/or easygoing, but anyone who really knows me knows that I am neither. I try to pretend that I don't miss my parents like a blubbering baby, but I really do. If I had to count how many times I've cried about missing them in just this month alone, I'm sure that I would need an extra hand to count on besides my two.


And even though I wish I could be home in Pennsylvania, I have been treated very well by Jeff's families, and I know I really have no need to complain except for the fact that his family just isn't mine. It's not that his family isn't great, it's just that they aren't Swanks. And everyone could use a Swank or two in their lives.


Another thing I have noticed during the holidays this year and amidst missing my family, is that I have clung to happy memories that I have shared with them to help me cope. Here's one to let you know what I mean.


I love taking my Dad to breakfast on his birthday. He was born on December 28th. I like to take him shopping in downtown and enjoy a little together time. I remember one year in particular when we settled in at Glassmeyer's for some eggs benedict (our favorite) and listened to a woman, who was taking Christmas song requests, sing while we waited for our order.


My Dad requested "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day." I don't think I knew this song at the time, but ever since then one of my Dad's favorites has become my own. It's a song of hope and faith in Christ. But what is so poignant to me is that it points out the fear and worry that we often face in our lives, and then comes back stronger with a message of faith and love of the Savior.


Don't know the words? Here they are--

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head:
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men."

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men."

Till, ringing singing, on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
Of peace on earth, good will to men!

Merry Christmas, even if it's a day late, and Happy New Year! Bring it on 2011! I really hope I'm ready for you!

P.S. 

Oh, we had family pictures with Jeff's mom's family. I REALLY hope the one of Jeff and me turns out. I'll post when I get them.