Contributed by Bob “Oxygen Man” Rawlins, oxygen user and consultant to CAIRE Inc. ~
Halloween originated a long time ago with a Celtic festival known as Samhain. It then continued to evolve into All Saints Day. Which most people will recall and talk about.
Either way it started a gazillion years ago, LOL.
When you are a kid, it’s all about the planning, the route you are taking in the neighborhood, who is going trick-or-treating with whom, and the most important … “WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO BE?” 😊
I remember going with a group of friends every year and going all over the place. Seemed like we were walking everywhere and it was fun trying to see if the neighbors could figure out who we were.
As time progresses as fast as ever, and you have your own kids and grandkids, you do different things. You help make their costumes.
As adults you might attend some parties, or get creative in handing out candy. For some of you, you might even try to scare the crap out of the kids you know deserve it. LOL
When my kids were younger, I used to love to walk around with them, or take them to the parties. I dressed up as well.
Today, I still on occasion dress up. My favorite costume now is “Oxygen Man,” able to leap tall buildings with a single oxygen tank, stronger than a NON-moving object, and the ability to sit in a chair for hours without needing much air. #superhero!
Well, I’m sure things have changed for all of us over the years, and can you believe this holiday now ranks Number 2 as the second largest commercial holiday. No surprise, Christmas is at Number 1.
It is also the 7th most celebrated event as well. Crazy right?
I would think the dentist would be the most prosperous in the several months following Halloween. Oh boy … 😊
I really like Halloween. Even with the changes I’ve had to make with my current health issues.
Instead of walking the neighborhood the neighborhood comes to me. I still get in costume. But now, I set-up a driveway candy and refreshment stand.
We set-up our OSU (The Ohio State University) tent along with an electric heater to keep warm and lay out tons of candy bags that the kids can pick-up. It is fun hanging out and seeing all the kids come by. I’ve lived in our development for over 20 years now. Hard to believe so many of them have grown up and moved away only to be replaced with a whole new generation who is now joining in the festivities.
This year is certainly going to be very different from last year. It is important to plan and take the proper precautions, especially with COVD-19 and then my having a serious lung disease on top of it. We’ve gone to treat bags to minimize contact with trick-or-treaters. We make them up a few days before and make sure they are clean and then put them out for the kids to be able to grab individually and separated. #bagsarekey
In addition to simplifying candy distribution, I keep warm apple cider and cinnamon in the Crock Pot on hand for the kids and parents to partake in if they wish.
Now that my kids are older, the girls walk around a bit, but my son enjoys dressing up and giving a good scare when he can to those who stop by. (Making sure of course not to make the young kids too nervous, and/or cause the parents to get cranky, and rightfully so.)
As the holidays and celebrations come and go, I like to try and make the most of it. The memories you continue to build are priceless.
It takes longer to decorate outside when you are on long-term oxygen therapy, and the set-up is a bit more tedious, but when it finally comes and you can reap the rewards of your efforts, it’s priceless to me.
The smiles and giggles of the kids and parents, just warms my heart.
This is yet another time when I am thankful to still be here and enjoying those blessings.
Those of us on this journey can’t take for granted those times in my opinion.
Please make every day count. I know some days at times can be so hard and tiring. This battle is relentless but that is what makes the good days so special.
Till next time!
Laugh every day.
Touch a heart.
Breathe easy.
Enjoy life and all it brings you!
Love to all,
Coach Bob
Bob Rawlins, 61, of Medina, Ohio, is husband to Terese and father to their 16-year-old triplets, a soccer coach, a hospital volunteer, band dad and chaperone, and marketing guru. He uses a FreeStyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator and a transportable oxygen concentrator for overnight travel.
If you have been prescribed oxygen therapy, learn more about CAIRE by visiting www.caireinc.com/patients or by calling 1-877-704-0878 to talk to an oxygen advisor.
The contents of this blog post are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician for personalized medical advice. When using any oxygen therapy device please consult the applicable product instructions for use for product indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and detailed safety information.