We didn’t plan on eating breakfast at the Waffle House on Christmas morning. The original plan was to be at my mom’s house.
What happened?
Three days earlier, my stepfather, Dick, called from the hospital. My mother was in pre-op while awaiting emergency surgery on her gall bladder. Talk about a shock.
Mom’s ordeal started the prior evening when she began to have chest pains. She told Dick and he immediately whisked her away to the emergency room. Mom said she was frightened at first. Who wouldn’t be? After her EKG came back normal, they investigated further and found a stone in her gall bladder.
I asked Momin why she didn’t call us when it happened. She said she didn’t want to upset me, Tim, or Sara until she knew exactly what was happening to her. As a daughter, I wished she had let me know, but as a mother, I could understand.
They kept her overnight for observation, so she didn’t get back home until Christmas Eve. Naturally, there was no way we could have Christmas at her house at that time. I told Mom not to worry about it. Sara and I would help and we could do it when she felt like it.
While I was relieved my mom was okay, I would be lying if I didn’t say I wasn’t somewhat disappointed.
I love Christmas mornings at Mom’s for several reasons. One, she fixes a scrumptious meal. Yes, I help, but she does the hard-core cooking. Second, after breakfast, we go the living room and open presents by the fireplace. And best of all, we spend time together as a family.
That Christmas morning, I just didn’t want to stay home and do nothing. I told Tim there was a little news article I read about the Waffle House on Christmas Day. According to it, the waitresses try to work that day since people are so full of Christmas cheer, which means better tips.
So, we drove to the Waffle House in Halls. The article was correct. There was a great feel in the air. People were talking, laughing, and wishing each other a Merry Christmas. The staff was wearing their Santa hats and obviously having a good time as well. Christmas music was playing and the windows were decorated.
We had a great time and it helped us get over the disappointment of not being at my mom’s.
“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (KJV)
The situation may not be what we prefer, but I think the trick to true joy is to always being thankful and appreciating what’s in the here and now.
By the way, I really appreciated my hash browns coated in ketchup.