Dad died on December 2nd, which meant that that December 26th was a painful day to remember, but also a hard day to ignore. I mentioned the anniversary, that year, to Mom, but she was very "tired" that day, and so the day passed. She died the next May, so there were no more anniversaries to "celebrate" in any fashion. Yet the day never goes by without some heaviness in my heart.

Some celebrations need to be scrapped when dementia takes over. But when one person wants/needs the event to be celebrated - even though we, the caregivers, feel like actors in a very bad play - I believe it is worth the effort to go through the motions. Hard as it was, I have no regrets. Yet, I still have work to do. I have to try to find some joy in December 26.

To learn more about Carol, please go to http://www.mindingourelders.com/ or http://www.mindingoureldersblogs.com/