It was Christmas Day and I arrived to provide relief for the regular caregiver for a gentleman who had dementia and other disabilities after a stroke.  It would be just the two of us, but I was going to try to make it a special day for him.

It turned out that he made it a special day for me, too.  When I came in the door he was sitting in his wheelchair in the living room.  A huge smile appeared on his face, his eyes widened and he said, "Kristi! It's you, what a treat." We both started lauphing.   It was one of those moments that make caregivers feel so good.  He had a lot of memory issues and I was amazed that he remembered me when I hadn't been there for awhile.

I gave him a hug and said, "Merry Christmas, this is a treat for me too.  I'm so glad to be spending Christmas with you.  What would you like me to cook for a Christmas Dinner?"

I pushed his wheelchair into the kitchen and we made some hot chocolate.  The spirit of Christmas, like a miracle, began to fill the house.

Lots of Christmas's are not traditional, and don't resemble the ideals portrayed on television.  This gentleman was struggling with his mental and physical situation after a stroke.  I lost my husband to cancer, and the holidays are a challenge for me.  But, making a difference for others at Christmas makes a difference for me. 

As we talked about what to cook I considered the special eating situation.  The stroke had caused a swallowing difficulty for this gentleman, and a thickener was added to his fluids. 

After a lot of discussion of foods he said, "I want pancakes!  That's what I like the best."

I said, "That's great.  I love pancakes too.  Good idea!" 

So pancakes it was, and we had a wonderful Christmas Pancakes Dinner.  The difficulties in our lives faded away for awhile, and it was another Christmas miracle.