This past summer, we decided that it would be best for all of us if mom went to assisted living. She wasn't happy with us, and we were all fighting. She is doing better, but this Thanksgiving will be the first time she is there. Of course, I have tremendous guilt (I'm working on it) and we have not seen my husband's family in 4 years because of caregiving and her difficulty in traveling due to PD. I honestly believe that no one should be alone for Thanksgiving, and although they are having a special luncheon, I still feel that perhaps I should stay? If I stay, I won't see the other half of my family (in-laws), my husband and my step-kids (one of whom is off to college next year).
I have thought about staying and doing another dinner with the kids, etc. but then I think--I need to have a break too and maybe it would be nice to escape. I just don't know. Any suggestions or support is welcomed :) Thanks so much for helping!
Leave your mother a present to have with her TG dinner, and maybe some treats to share with her fellow residents. The staff will make more of a fuss of residents whose families aren't there so she will have a lovely time, and she'll be more inclined to join in without you there, and she'll know you thought of her.
No guilt! GO!