In an unexpected turn, we decided to host a small “early” Thanksgiving this year. Our friends, who typically join us, would be away on the traditional date. So, while pumpkins were sitting on porches closer to Halloween, we scared ourselves by how much we consumed, but in the best way. I’ll admit that there was a little confusion with doing it early; I was planning to cut the green beans while watching the parade, and my friend was timing her trip to the grocery store to avoid crowds!
Well, this event prompted a memory about another “early” Thanksgiving where I found myself looking back and feeling wistful.
In 2021, we had driven to my mother’s memory care residence (almost three hours away) to join her for an early Thanksgiving organized by the home. It had been such a good day that I had written about it.
I re-read that post the other day and wanted to share it below with a couple of additions…
A few days ago, we took part in an early Thanksgiving meal with my 91-year-old mother, Gretchen, at her assisted living /memory care residence. Mom was ready in a white sequined shirt and a pretty black sweater for the big day. She also had Button with her. She always had Button with her. Button was a stuffed 16-inch Bernese Mountain dog. Based on information from the Alzheimer’s Association, “plush pets” are encouraged as the loved one can give it unconditional love and be “responsible” for it. He was her constant companion.
We made our way through the memory care doors, kept locked for the safety of the residents, and headed into a large room with tables and a buffet table. Gretchen was so pleased it was a special dinner of turkey and potatoes, rolls, cinnamon apples, and of course, pumpkin pie. Dessert is always a favorite with her.
After the meal was over, the evening included some live musical entertainment; and while Mom was watching the singer, I was watching her feet tap to “That’s Life.” She was beaming at everything around her; soaking it in.
We watched while a resident spontaneously hopped up from her chair, filled with the spirit to move, and danced and clapped around the room when the first notes of “Rock Around the Clock” started. There was also a man who turned to his wife when “Unchained Melody” began, and he grabbed her hand and sang to her.
This was when I realized that the unfiltered happiness of these residents was filling me up more than the actual meal. Music clearly took them to their happiest times of their lives.
I decided that this year I am thankful for the cheerful music, for being in the present moment, for small gifts of time with my mom, and for feeling the bursts of joy from these elderly residents.
I want to wish everyone a heartfelt Thanksgiving and be sure to soak in everything the day shows you, whether it is with family, or family for just one night.
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When I wrote this, I had no way of knowing that this was Mom’s last Thanksgiving. She passed several months later. I feel happy though, having captured the day, these holiday memories, in precisely this way. I am also happy that I hosted my own early Thanskgiving, which prompted me to return to read this story again.
Here are some musical replays of the Thanksgiving party:
Leavingthedooropen.com 
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