The “Thankful Thanksgiving” of my Texas Twins Events/Pawning Planners Team
Families occasionally disagree, but families are permanent and whether you have inlaws or outlaws- looking beyond their flaws and rejoicing in your relationship with them is never more obvious than an accident or unexpected illness that suddenly “brings all of you together.”
Every year brings a new chapter in my life with this year being no different. As my Aunt Shirley continues to heal at Harris Methodist Hospital from a double bypass surgery following a heart attack two days ago, I’m thankful that my family has one another to lean on during this frightening episode.
To the Little Pawners, these “memories” are wildly different from their “city life.” My three cousins, Albert Jr, James, Cynthia and Cynthia’s three children all still live in Gordon and all volunteer for the Fire Department and Rescue Team.
Things in Gordon are at a much slower pace, every truck that passes by has a waving driver behind the wheel. In Gordon, everyone drives friendly and most everyone knows who you are even if you are “just visiting.” This year as my Aunt recovers and assigns the cooking for Thanksgiving to my cousin, Cynthia Rene, we are thankful that she will recover and soon take the reins of the Dickson Ranch again.
This will be our third holiday season without the beloved “Lady Gretta Ozee” aka “Big Momma.” Gretta was a joy to everyone who knew her and her loss continues to leave a gaping hole in our hearts.
A warrior who could cook and feed an army or handle anything with zest and vigor with a lifelong love of all things Elvis. When planning her “dream trip” a few years ago, I was surprised that she preferred California over Graceland but since I’ve been to Graceland understood that California would win my vote too! Our family is originally from California and miss the sand and sea everyday! My Aunt loved the trip with Cindy and I along with our Little Pawners, Maryssa and Makenna Mahaney.
But, as we band together to overcome the latest unexpected chapter in our lives, I remember that it’s important to be thankful for and cherish the moments we’ve shared together, the babies were welcomed together and the accomplishments we’ve shared together.
While we will always miss the “big Texas” laugh and smile of Miss Gretta, I know she is smiling down on her “adopted family” of twins and our travels.
She was always so proud of our accomplishments and those “tiny Texas Twins. I’m thankful for the years we had Lady Gretta in our lives and I’m thankful that my Aunt Shirley was saved by talented doctors to enjoy many more holidays with her family….
Wendy M Wortham