Photo/Contributed

Jane J. Herlong

If you had asked me a couple of days ago what I wanted for Christmas I would have to stop and thing about it.

That is not the case today as I sit at my computer with an ice pack and bandage on my ankle.

Yesterday, I fell off of a ladder as I cleaned my windows. As soon as I landed, I heard my ankle pop. I knew it was either a torn ligament or a broken bone. A trip to the ER confirmed a torn ligament.

I know if someone had a video camera that moment, they could win some BIG money on America's Funniest Videos. There I was sprawled out on my front porch in my pajamas, yelling for help.

I know you are thinking, why was I in my pj's?

BECAUSE, Thomas was upstairs in bed (or should I say, traveling to and from the bed) preparing for a colonoscopy. Holmes was alerted to be Thomas' chauffeur after my spill on the ladder.

Caroline was called from Wardlaw to be my ambulance to the ER.

By the way, hats off to the great staff at the Edgefield Hospital and Dr. Beth.

We are blessed to have this facility in our county!

On the way to the ER, my petite youngest, while driving my suburban, makes this statement.

"Momma, next year, you and Daddy will be without Holmes and me to look after you. I think you seriously need to consider some kind of assisted living."

I had no comment-so you know, I was in pain.

I am using a walker to hobble around.

Holmes decided to add a new gift to his list for me- tennis balls.

The good news is that Thomas got a clean bill of health.

I figured he would have a good report. Thomas is the fiber king. And I will get to ride in a motorized shopping cart on my trip to Sams. I have always wanted to do that.

When you are well you want lots of things.

When you are sick/hurt you only want one thing; good health.

My gift came a week early. A chance to sit down and remember what Christmas is all about. I hope we all have our priorities in place for 2009.

Unfortunately, a fall from a ladder and a medical procedure has been to my fortune.

It's Christmas!

Time to celebrate the birth of Jesus and be thankful for all our blessings.