Thanksgiving for caregivers transforms the holiday from tradition to a heartfelt act of gratitude. Thanksgiving for caregivers isn’t a meal; it’s a mission. You mash potatoes with one hand, hold a hand with the other, and somehow still smile. As a long-distance caregiver, I spent every Thanksgiving Dinner with Mom and Dad, trying to follow tradition. The first year: ordered a meal prepared by the grocery store deli. Picked it up, warmed up the turkey, and served dinner for us. No extended family to join us. The Second Year, it was basically the same, but out to dinner. The third year was a year of celebration, and we went out to eat with Dad’s close friends! Then there was the year my parents were in assisted living, and I couldn’t attend their dinner. No Thanksgiving for caregivers. Had I known, I would have flown home, I had thought. I was able to see them during regular hours and could see that they had a good time. My caregiving journey and Thanksgiving bring back fond memories.
Fast forward to today! After years of juggling caregiving and holidays alone, I’m finally home for Thanksgiving. We are thinking of a place to go out since it’s just the two of us, Tex and me! We have plenty of choices. Surprise me, I say!
