As I set in my rocker, drinking a warm cup of morning coffee, I look out the window my Mom reviewed her farm for over forty years. She loved this farm, she and my dad worked so hard to purchase, planted flowers and watched the cattle and crops grow. The cool morning air reminds me of the coming winter months and the memories of years gone by.
You see, my Mom was very close to Santa and made sure he showed up at my Great-Grandmother’s every year to see all the children and give them gifts of love. She decorated our home and loved going shopping with her sisters long before Black Friday had a real name.
Gifts were always under the tree. Then shopping became harder and Notes with Checks showed up in the tree. The kids knew where to look for their envelope. During the last couple of years, even that was taken away as Alzheimer’s took her ability to handle tasks of this type. This year is our first year without this wonderful lady at the holidays.
We are one of the fortunate families that lost our Mom to Alzheimer’s, not COVID. Prayers were often given to not let her get COVID and die. Alzheimer’s took my Mom in June, so we had very limited access to be with her. However, the caregivers she had were so sweet and her last day was just a normal day for her, still up and laughing with those around her. Prayers were answered.
‘Hugs for the Holidays’ for Loved Ones in Long-Term Care Facilities
How do you carry on a legacy for someone as special as this lady that did so much for her family, church, and community? Hugs for The Holidays! You see, a group of friends came together and wanted to be able to show support for our Tennessee families who are facing one of the most difficult seasons we have seen in many years. This state-wide initiative, which is now being looked at all across the U.S. and Canada, is simple in nature but large in presence. We cannot break down the barriers of isolation, but we can let everyone know we see what they are going through and support them. The initiative invites all those affected by isolation to display bright pink ribbons on their property: mailboxes, fence posts, cars, front doors or around their trees. In an effort to support these families, we are asking our communities to share in the display of beautiful pink bows. It does not matter if it is on the front door of your business, churches, or vehicles. I hope to see a big fire truck sporting a pink ribbon in my town. Maybe your town can light a bridge in Bright Pink.
Tennessee Caregivers for Compromise (TCC) has launched a Tennessee statewide effort ‘Hugs for the Holidays’ to create awareness of this separation of families. The group is asking families with loved ones in care facilities to display bright pink ribbons at their residents during the holidays.to create awareness of this separation of families. The group is asking families with loved ones in care facilities to display bright pink ribbons at their residents during the holidays.
You ask why bright pink? It was chosen to stand out among the typical holiday color décor. Today is my day to go out and purchase my Pink Bow. I want to let everyone dealing with isolation this year know that I see them, I love them, and I understand. I hope you join us and post your pictures on every social media and news platform that are available to you. Let’s show our support!
For more information, contact [email protected] or the Facebook group – facebook.com/groups/TNCaregiversforCompromise .
