A couple of weeks ago, I took a bit of a breather from life to have minor surgery. Two weeks later, I am feeling much better (unless you count the complete loss of core strength that comes with bed rest). Unfortunately, that meant that I wasn’t able to enjoy Halloween and Dia de los Muertos with my usual enthusiasm.
That’s right, I didn’t get the chance to sweat my face makeup off this year. I also didn’t get to make any unsuccessful spooky treats (the rice krispie pumpkins always look better on Instagram) or plan fun ghostly potato stamp art projects with my students. Nope, I was at home reading and binge-watching Yellowstone while eating anything that would not irritate my digestive system (aka water and rice cakes).
I actually started to feel a little sorry for myself as my daughter got ready for her second Halloween party of the weekend and my husband loaded up the car to go to his gig. I carved a small pumpkin and hummed “Monster Mash” but it just wasn’t the same all by myself, especially because I couldn’t eat any candy while I did it. I switched the tune to “All by Myself” and stared moodily out the window as they said goodbye.
The thing is, I grew up enjoying Halloween, thanks to a dad who loved the spooky season. My dad was a popcorn-ball making, spooky storytelling, rubber mask-wearing Halloween aficionado, and so I inherited it. My own kids trick-or-treated every year since they were old enough to bear the weight of a bunny ear headband. Also, I invented family costumes, such as when my son was a year old and we dressed him as cupid, while we wore his arrows through our heads. Yeah. I was That Mom.
So, I have to admit I’m being a little self-indulgent this year, since it’s the last year I’ll have my daughter living with me during Halloween. She had a whole line-up of fun recipes we could have totally destroyed, but I simply wasn’t well enough. I couldn’t carry out the arm-long list of fun Halloween activities I enjoy in my kindergarten classroom this year. I’m disappointed that I missed all of that.
As soon as I was released from post-surgical house arrest (my husband ensured I followed the doctor’s orders), I headed down to the Malecon to enjoy Dia De Los Muertos, another holiday I love dearly. I walked around the altar displays and the incredible parade of Catrinas on the ocean side. And, even though I was exhausted by the end of it, I ended the evening feeling so grateful for renewed health and the beauty of the life I lead.
Yes, I decided to make a gratitude list because, in the grand scheme of things, missing Halloween isn’t really so bad. Here’s a few things that made the cut. I’m grateful for:
- My health (returned to me)
- My family (always indulgent)
- The staff at CMQ (you are all the BEST)
- A future filled with more Halloween fun
