Many Maine Holidays
Monday, December 3, 2012
By: Jane Turlo

Holiday Memory

Growing up in a small New England town with a mom who was a fabulous homemaker and a dad who was a traditionalist afforded me the opportunity to experience wonderful holidays. The many Christmas Eves and Christmases were especially grand with the house full of family and friends, the smell of pine from our fresh cut tree, and small candy dishes scattered around the living room filled with my mom's homemade confections made me feel like I never wanted to leave. After mass on Christmas Eve we came home to feast on a traditional meal consisting of fish loaf, twice baked mashed potatoes and vegetables. However, before diving into the luscious food our family broke blessed communion sent from my dad's cousins in Chicago, and reflected on our blessings.
As I grew into adulthood my dad passed away, but my mom still managed to keep the Christmas tradition alive and no matter how old I was I loved going home for Christmas.
Ten years ago was the last Christmas that my mom would enjoy the traditions she kept alive for so many years. Alzheimer's started taking over my mom and she had lost her ability to cook like a chef, but as a family we didn't skip a beat. We all pitched in to make the holiday as special as my mom always did for us, and we ate, laughed, and reflected on our blessings.
Today, Alzheimer's has taken over my mom, and I miss her every day. When I am alone with my thoughts or when I am visiting with her, I often think of all those wonderful Christmases past and thank my lucky stars that I had a mother and father who showed me how beautiful the holidays can be. As I try to instill traditions into my own family, I know my parents gave me the best present I could ever ask for. Thank you mom and dad; I love you. Happy Holidays.