Happy Holidays - oops Halloween :)

I'm going home early this year for the holiday.  I leave a week from today and will be home for a week.    The other day when I talked with Mom she knew Halloween was coming up, but didn't mention getting candy or anything else about preparing for the day.  When we were kids, she would make our costumes and Dad would go out with us.  He would dress up too, Mom would always stay home and give out candy.

This season is becoming more and more bittersweet.  I love being home during autumn - the crisp, cool air, cider mills, leaves turning bright red, orange and yellow - and this is the time of year when Mom hallucinates more.  The days are shorter, night is darker and Mom is more confused about everything, but especially time.  When it gets dark outside she thinks it's time to go to bed.  This is the time I talk with her on the phone - daily.  Oy.

We will celebrate Thanksgiving while I'm home.  We learned from last year, and will only have a few people over at a time.  We can no longer have more than 5 people besides Mom, it's too confusing for her.  Years ago, Mom and Dad's house would be filled with family and friends, smells of an amazing home cooked meal and lots of laughter.  Now, probably me and Voyageur (and her husband) and maybe another family member or 2, still great smells and laughter - but meal from Honey Baked Ham - they do up turkey well - and hopefully less confusion than last year.

Holidays are tricky for most folks, let alone those of us dealing with dementia.  (Right about now, Voyageur will say I'm channeling Dad) But the treat is to never take a moment for granted, find humor and laughter in every situation.  Life is short.  Love is long.  Live accordingly.