Christmas Eve at The Hospital? Travels Of The Pawning Planners & Texas Twins Events Team…

I will never forget the Thanksgiving I rushed my son, Robert Hafele to Cook’s Childrens Hospital running 104 fever and struggling to breathe after my pediatrician prescribed an antibiotic for his ear infection that caused an allergic reaction.  The hospital was packed and even standing was crowded as this young mother prayed we could see a doctor quickly.

Years later, I found myself at Harris Hospital for foot swelling an pain.  The difference was the waiting area was completely empty other than one other patient.  Arriving with the twins, Maryssa and Makenna Mahaney who were staying with us at WorthamWorld for the holiday break, I packed color crayons, books and Old Maid playing cards to pass the time. 

 Luckilly for us- we were in and out with prescriptions and my bandaged foot.  Apparently, when I had twisted my ankle a few days ago trying to keep from falling backwards down my driveway, I had cut the side of my foot and developed a Cellulitis infection to go along with my sprained foot.  Last night found me limping my way to the surprise helpicopter ride at Epic for the twins expedition to view Christmas lights in Arlington and downtown Fort Worth.  Although I kept wondering why my foot was feeling worse rather than better, I didn’t want to spoil the excursion by complaining. 

 The twins had a wonderful flight and I’m glad that my husband came up with this idea to give them something they would remember long after Christmas.  Cindy (my saucy twin sister) came to meet me after leaving the hospital and took the twins to find skates since I was now having a hard time walking.

  
Back at WorthamWorld, the twins finished wrapping gifts and being my little helpers while my wonderful husband cooked the holiday meal.  Everyone arrived to visit en route to their many other “stops” wjth family and friends.  We always laugh because my son and his wife have 5 holiday visits to various relatives and can only have “a bite” here, there and everywhere.

 As I sit with my foot propped and iced- it occurs to me that holidays aren’t about the gifts- instead they are about spending time together.  My brother, Jerry Lee, just sent me a text as he ironically hurt his foot too and checked in on me.  He is now a doting grandfather and loves babysitting.  I love playing with our latest Little Pawner, Madyson Elizabeth Blais while propping my foot which was exactly what my brother was doing in North Carolina. 

Spending time with our family and friends is a timeless gift to be treasured and I’m hoping my brothers foot lends quickly.  As the twins pack up to head over to my friend Tammi Leggett’s house with gifts to put under her tree, I reflect what a blessing it is to be home with our family with so many military members away on tour including my niece Leigh Ann’s husband Alex Blais. 

   Heading to my kitchen for a cup of hot cocoa, I’m thankful for my family, my loyal readers and my dedicated Texas Twins Team of multigenerational family members. Most of all, I’m especially thankful that we have my brother in law, Steve Daniel home for the holidays this year.  He loved the fishing pole I bought him and can’t wait to try it out!  He also loved the holiday meal my husband prepared while I was at the hospital.  Steve Daniel missed most holiday celebrations for over 20 years as a truck driver and 8 of those years were spent at Camp Anaconda in Iraq as a hazmat fuel tanker driver.  Although I miss not having my brother and his family here in Texas with us this year, I’m hoping that next year they can make the trip.  

We all have the inlaws and the outlaws that make holidays hilarious and mine is no exception since as usual, most of the gifts had the wrong names on them again this year.  

While I would like everything to be perfect and everyone to arrive on time- I’ve given up trying to keep a schedule and instead decided to relax and enjoy my family as I hope that you are enjoying yours!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of our twins, friends and followers…

Wendy M Wortham