From Frank....
When I was growing up, my mother worked for a podiatrist. She started “nurses training,” as she called it, during her one year at the University of Toledo, but was interrupted when her parents moved to Florida. Then, she got married and had seven children, before she bravely ventured back into the medical field. Dr. Sussman hired her saying, “Anyone who can manage seven kids can run my office!”
This all leads to a funny Christmas story. At her office, they always had lots of tape. Apparently, feet need to be wrapped and bandaged a lot! Being the creative person that she is, my mother decided she'd save the large tubes the tape came in and decorate them for each of her children. Don’t ask me how she had the time to uniquely decorate seven tubes for each of us while working full-time, but she did. I think there were some late nights and a little bit of wine involved.
That year, on Christmas morning, us kids were a bit taken aback by the missing stockings, yet were amused by the “Christmas Tubes!” The tradition didn’t last beyond that year, but the story has endured to this day and many laughs always ensue when it's told. Just recently, however, it struck me that my family doesn’t have many other Christmas stories. Because of my mother’s creativity and willingness to buck tradition, we’ve enjoyed memories of that particular day for well over four decades.
Sometimes we have to try something new or step out of our comfort zone. We may not meet our original goal or establish a new tradition, but perhaps we’ll have fun, laugh at ourselves a little, or create a cherished memory. If you’ve been lurking and delaying getting involved with the Village, I challenge you to give something a try. Click here to see our full calendar of events.
P.S. We’ve launched our year-end appeal for donations. As a non-profit, we rely on your support. All gifts are appreciated and are considered a charitable contribution. If you are over 70 and 1/2 years of age, you can give from your IRA directly to the Village without having to pay income taxes on the money. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.CWPV.org/support
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