Thankful For In 2013

"Regan, hand me the phone. NOW!"  Not the greatest of parenting moments.  Revin' Roger had a penny dislodged in his throat and I just made it worse by trying to fish it out.  At this point, two little kids were crying and I was begging for the pediatrician's office to answer.  After talking with nurse, I called my parents.  They were at my house within 15 minutes.  Dad stayed with Wild Regan and waited for Amazing Ann at the bus stop.  Mom drove Revin Roger and me to the emergency room.  No drama and no fuss.

Six hours later, and over $113,000 in medical bills, the penny was surgically removed from this throat.  You would think during the entire ordeal, I would be sick with worry about Revin' Rogers safety.  In reality, the moment we got to the hospital I knew it would all work out.  My dad had the two older kids safely at home.  My mom was with us the entire time, even after my husband finally made it to the hospital. She stayed with us during the numerous test, pre-surgery consultation and actual surgery.  After we were told Roger was waking up, mom left to feed my daughters and dad a pizza dinner.  This day and every day since, I am truly grateful to live close to my family. If my parents lived in a distant state, the day would have turned out the same but with a lot more stress and worry.  Besides who can beat Chicago style pizza with grandma and grandpa?

Revin Roger's Penny After Surgery.

Bryan and I are also lucky his parents live only a few hours away. Over sixteen years ago, he left a small town in Wisconsin for the lure of Chicago.  His zip code might have changed, but he always traveled back to visit his family - a short 2 1/2 hour ride away.  This relative short distance allowed him to be part of the major family events and the only price was gas.  Not a bad deal.  When I showed up in his life, we both traveled back and forth to Wisconsin.  During the fall months, the car radio had Badger or Packer Football.  Summer months the Brewers' game was on but no matter the season, we never got in a full game since the trip always ended before the game.

This past weekend his dad had a health scare that needed unexpected surgery. Friday he hopped in the car and drove north to see his parents.  Bryan was unable to see his dad before the early morning surgery, but was able to see him later in the day.  I am sure the quick weekend visit was comforting to Bryan and his parents.

There are many things to be thankful for this year.  I am very thankful my family lives close to Crazyville.

What are you thankful for this season?

Sharon, The Mayor

Join the Spin Cycle with Ginny and Gretchen.