Yesterday was Monday.  It was the first Monday in 28 years (other than a holiday or the odd vacation day) that I was not at work.  It was the first day of my new “flex” schedule, which has shifted my full time job to four longer days – Tuesday through Friday, allowing me to take Monday’s off.  Monday’s are now “Mom” days and as caregiver, I am grateful for this flexibility and the stress it will ease from my life.

Yesterday morning, I made several calls on my Mom’s behalf and got a number of things resolved.  It was nice to cross these things off my to-do list.  Yesterday afternoon, I spent time with my Mom and enjoyed a leisurely pace of grocery shopping, lunch out and a few other errands.  We both enjoyed the time we spent together and I didn’t feel rushed, as I had completed my errands over the weekend.  I truly “lived in the moment” and didn’t focus on the “must-do” list which sometimes happens when we are together.  My Mom and I laughed together and talked about Thanksgiving and she decided she would not bake a pie this year…we would just buy one from the store. 

It feels strange to be the Thanksgiving hostess this year.  My Mother has hosted this holiday either at home or in a restaurant for as long as I can remember.  But things change and now it is my turn to roast the turkey and get out my china.  I love to entertain and look forward to the day, especially because a good friend has agreed to help with the turkey!  Yet, as the baton passes, it is another sign that my Mother is aging and that makes me sad sometimes. However, her interest in the holiday is high and she’s shared many helpful tips…especially not to forget the black olives…a staple on my family’s Thanksgiving table.  Her joyous anticipation of having our family together finds me very thankful this Thanksgiving.