Holding the Threads of Memory: A Thanksgiving Reflection

The dining room table is set with familiar plates, and the warm scent of turkey and sage fills the air. A loved one sits quietly in their favorite spot, their eyes wandering as if searching for something just out of reach. Thanksgiving is supposed to be a time for memories—a holiday built on stories and traditions—but sometimes, those memories become fragile.

Alzheimer’s has a way of stealing moments, bit by bit. The vivid stories they used to tell with laughter and detail now come in fragments, like pieces of a puzzle that no longer fit together. The hands that once folded napkins perfectly or kneaded pie crusts with ease now rest in their lap, uncertain but still familiar.

It’s hard not to feel the weight of what’s been lost, the absence of things that once felt so solid. But even in the middle of that sadness, there’s a surprising kind of grace. Love isn’t about remembering every detail; it’s about the connection that lives beneath it all. It’s in the way they smile when they see you, even if they can’t quite place your name. It’s the warmth of a hand held, a look that says, “I know you,” even when the words aren’t there.

Being with someone you love, even as they lose pieces of their memory, teaches you to appreciate the little things. It’s not about the picture-perfect moments but the simple ones—the feel of their hand in yours, the sound of a shared laugh, the quiet presence of being together.

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be about recreating the past. It can be about being present. It’s about gratitude—not just for what was but for what still is. Gratitude for the chance to share a meal, a laugh, or even just a quiet moment. Those things are still magic, even when they look different than they used to.

Even when memories fade, love doesn’t. It’s the thread that keeps everything connected, even when the details get fuzzy. And honestly, that’s what makes Thanksgiving special—not the traditions or the perfect table setting, but the love that holds everyone together, no matter what.