December 14, 2012

Holiday Cheer - My Very Own Angel

by Tanya Hanson 

Last weekend, she celebrated her birthday, my daughter. She’s now a young wife with a precious baby boy of her own, a beautiful house, and a successful career. And she’s the reason I believe in angels. 

You see, some 30 years ago, I just knew I wasn’t pregnant. I just wasn’t. These things, hubby and I carefully planned. So when the doctors ordered an X-ray to investigate recurring UTI’s, I was on board. No worries. Until I was in the dressing room in Radiology. 

A voice clearly said, “don’t do this.” I was so startled, I even looked around the tiny cubicle, up to the ceiling and heater ducts. 


Nobody. But I took the words seriously and postponed the X-ray. Praise the Lord. I found out just a few days later I was with child. My little one and I had escaped disaster. I’m convinced I heard an angel’s voice in that dressing room. 

And my little girl was born healthy, happy, strong and vigorous at Christmastime. Our little picket-fence life was perfect with her, her two year old brother. Her new red velvet tiny dress... 

Then, when she was thirteen days old, disaster caught up. She was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. Even yet, thinking of those terrible days still has the power to stop my breath.  

Oh, we came so close to having to say good-bye. But on Christmas Eve, when angels sing throughout the heavens to rejoice about another Baby, the doctors pronounced her not only completely recovered, but they also promised she’d suffer no residual damages such as deafness, blindness, or mental retardation.  

If she had died, I don’t know if I could have ever celebrated Christmas again. But she lived.  
 
Homecoming princess. All-county basketball player. Cum Laude graduate from a top university. My own angel girl. 

And all because the Lord loves. 

Merry Christmas to you and yours, and may His blessings abound in 2013. 

On a lighter note (I’m sniffling....)This salad is so easy, so yummy. I found it in a magazine years ago, and it’s never failed me.   

SPINACH PEAR SALAD 

¾ cup toasted walnut halves
1 (15 oz) can sliced pears, drain and reserve 1/4 cup of the syrup
2 tsp. honey mustard (or sweeten regular mustard with honey)
1 tsp. cider vinegar
1 tablesp. olive oil
8 cups baby spinach greens
3/4 cup (about 3 oz) gorgonzola or other bleu cheese, crumbled

To make pear vinaigrette, combine the pear syrup you have saved, honey mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper to taste. Whisk in olive oil.  

Just before serving, gently toss together the walnuts, drained pear slices, greens and gorgonzola, and vinaigrette. 

Serves 4 to six.
 

My latest releases: 
 

CHRISTMAS FOR RANSOM, a sensual historical Western novella, first of three in my Lawmen and Outlaws series at The Wild Rose Press. Amazon buy link: Amazon buylink: http://tinyurl.com/aswxew9
 
 

ANGEL CHILD, book six in my sweet, inspirational series, Hearts Crossing Ranch, White Rose imprint at Pelican Book Group.
Amazon buylink: http://tinyurl.com/d7s2zpw

Find out more about Tanya at: 



16 comments:

Tanya Hanson said...

Thanks so much, Anna Kathryn, for letting me spend the day wiht you!

Paty Jager said...

What a heartwarming story, Tanya. There are angels among us! We just have to keep our hearts and ears open to them.

Christmas for Ransom is a great read! I still need ot ger Angel Child, but my TBR list is so large, I've told myself to wait to get more books until I get it down to a manageable number.

Tanya Hanson said...

Hi Paty, thanks for the stop by during these busy days. I know what you mean about reading...I'm behind on your Nez Perce series myself. And the one I downloaded (on Louisa May Alcott) with your gift card, aw, that's months off LOL.

I don't think it's a coincidence that my family's favorite baseball team is the Angels...and I have an ancestor who played for them in the Pacific league long ago!

Merry Christmas, my friend.

Winnie Griggs said...

Beutiful story, Tanya (I'll admit I teared up a bit myself). So glad it had such a happy ending. And thnaks for sharing your recipe sounds yummy! I may have to try it for Christmas dinner.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful, heart-touching testimony, Tanya! (I'm a bit teary-eyed myself!) As you know, I absolutely believe in angels, as well - and I love stories like this. Thank you for sharing!

Kathy Bennett said...

Great post, Tanya. I too, believe in angels.

Davalyn Spencer said...

Love the angel story. I have no doubt that's exactly what your heard!

Linda Broday said...

I totally believe in angels. One night when I was in a deep sleep, I was suddenly jarred awake by someone urgently calling my name. There was no one else in the room and it was pitch black. If I hadn't woke up I would've faced an intruder who had god knows what on his mind. I downloaded Christmas for Ransom into my Kindle but haven't had a free moment yet to read it. I know it'll be great. And I read Christmas books all through the year.

Wishing you a very merry Christmas!

Tanya Hanson said...

Howdy all ...anout nice to see everybody today. I'm waiting on an xray for a smacked rib so trying to post on my smartphone.

Winnie the salad is a real keeper and perfect for any holiday menu. I promise you'll love it. Xo

Anna Kathryn Lanier said...

Hi, Tanya. Thanks for spending the day with me. When things happen as they did today, we need to be reminded of angels and goodness. Thanks for sharing your story with us.

Caroline Clemmons said...

Lovely story, Tanya. I believe in angels and miracles. Sending blessings for Christmas and the new year.

Tanya Hanson said...

Thanks so much to all of you for making this day such a wonderful part of my Christmastide. Each one of you is special to me! xoxox

As for the rib, doc said there's not much to do...just heat/ice and pain med. If it's a bruise, it'll take four weeks to heal, if it's a crack, it'll take two months. But ya just got to gut it out.

Cheryl Pierson said...

Tanya, I definitely believe in angels. One time when Jessica was only about a year old, I had taken my step daughter to school and on the way home, our car just died. It was a cold morning, probably in November or December, and this was before cell phones. When I had turned on to the road, there were no other cars, but as soon as I stopped and looked into my rearview mirror there was a Oklahoma Highway Patrol car right behind me, already stopped, and the officer getting out of the car. He asked me what was wrong--I didn't know--the car had just died and wouldn't restart. He helped me get Jessica strapped into his cruiser and took us home. I kept telling him how much I appreciated it, andhe'd always say, "That's my job." etc. I was able to see his name plate, "Chris King". When I got home safe and sound, and called Gary, I thought I would call the OHP division office and ask to speak with Mr. King's supervisor to tell him how grateful I was. I explained to the dispatcher who answered the phone. She looked on her roster, came back and asked for the name again. I spelled it for her. There was dead silence, then she said, "Ma'am, there is no Chris King. In fact, we don't have any officers with that last name." Gives me chills just thinking about it. This was a great post of yours! I'm so glad your baby girl was all right and all ended well.
Merry Christmas, my dear friend.
Cheryl

Tanya Hanson said...

Cheryl, I've got goose bumps too. What a blessed story! Love to you, my friend.

Barbara Edwards said...

Thanks for sharing your angel story.
It touched my heart.
barbara.edwards2@yahoo.com

Karen Michelle Nutt said...

What a heartwarming story! I believe in angels. :)

kmnbooks at yahoo dot com