Celebrating Elder’s Anniversaries Can Be Painful

Carol Bradley Bursack is Answering questions Caregiver Author, blogger and eldercare columnist For over twenty years author, columnist and speaker Carol Bradley... Send Message Subscribe: Carol Bradley Bursack

Thursday, December 27, 2007
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My mother always told me not to get married at Christmas time. She and my dad eloped December 26, 1940. It sounds very romantic. But they spent the rest of their lives trying to fit in an anniversary celebration around the Christmas holidays. It even became a family problem during times like their 25...

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Sue
Monday, December 31, 2007 at 10:10 PM

Carol thanks os much for sharing this story for us. I suspect there are many people out there like you - caregivers - who have had to do these same kinds of things with a heavy heart.

I hope you find your joy in December 26th. Maybe its simply the date you parents chose each other and in God's hands were able to bring you here to all of us - you certianly bring alot to this post.

All the best and Happy New Year. SMM

re: Untitled Comment
Carol Bradley Bursack
Tuesday, January 01, 2008 at 10:31 AM

Thank you for your kind words. I do feel that my decades of caregiving have given me a mission. I seem to be guided to keep on, hoping to do some good with what I've learned. I also keep on learning from other caregivers, professionals, and those suffering from dementia - and I've always loved learning. May you have the best of the New Year.
Carol

made me chuckle a little..:0)
Cathrynn
Friday, January 04, 2008 at 11:51 AM

Hello Carol

I loved this story - you wrote it very entertainingly and I could just picture all the happenings in your mind - your hurtling back and forth with the champagne and glasses year after year!! What a lovely thing to do - just perfect.

As I have got older I have discovered that anniversaries are much more important to me and if I had been your mother this would have been so appreciated as such a very loving gesture from you.

Happy New Year to you.....Cathrynn X

re: made me chuckle a little..:0)
Carol Bradley Bursack
Friday, January 04, 2008 at 03:15 PM

Thank you, Cathrynn. Your answer made me smile. As a caregiver, I've often faulted myself for my imperfections. But truly, I did do my best. I appreciate your response more than I can say.
Carol