My Alzheimer's Journey

Part 90 - National Day

Another Friday has rolled around. That means My Alzheimer’s Journey relaxes a bit. Nothing too heavy. Just a few laughs and smiles.

In the United States, it seems like every day is a “National Day”. For example, today is National Love Your Pet Day. Today is also National Clean Out Your Bookcase Day, National Muffin Day, National Cherry Pie Day, National Caregivers Day, National Handcuff Day, and the list goes on and on. February 20 has twenty “National Days”.

I have always wondered how “National Days” are created.

You can submit an application to create your own “National Day” at National Day Calendar. There is nothing official about any “National Day” except for the folks behind the website saying it is official. I will share a little secret with you. “National Days” are all about money.

For example, today is National Cherry Pie Day. Every diner and every grocery store in America will sell lots of cherry pie today by cajoling folks into buying pie out of a sense of patriotic duty. To prove my point, I did a bit of research and learned that the American Pie Council is behind National Cherry Pie Day. The Board of Directors of the American Pie Council includes, the Sr. Brand Manager for Sara Lee Frozen Bakery, the CEO of Colbourne Foodbiotics, and the owner of Michele’s Pies. Colbourne Foodbiotics manufactures machinery that produces more than 90% of the pies consumed in North America. Call me cynical if you wish, but National Cherry Pie Day has very little to do with being patriotic and everything to do with putting more money in the pocket of everyone in the pie making and selling industry. That will not stop me from eating a slice of cherry pie, though.

I can’t just skip over National Handcuff Day. Really? What the hell is that about?

It turns out that National Handcuff Day is celebrated on February 20 every year because it was on this very day that George A. Carney was given a patent number in the U.S. for his “lightweight and adjustable swinging bow ratchet-type handcuff”.

How does one celebrate National Handcuff Day? I am going to leave that question unanswered. I searched TikTok, Facebook, and X to find out how people celebrate National Handcuff Day. Since this is a G-rated blog, I will not share my findings.

On a very serious note, I want to honor all caregivers. National Caregivers Day is observed on the third Friday in February.

In simple terms, a caregiver is someone who takes care of the needs of a person with short- or long-term limitations due to illness, injury or disability. While there are professional caregivers, often caregivers are volunteer family members. Being a caregiver is a very challenging job. I applaud every caregiver for the important work they do.

My store sells a white caregiver apron, an organic cotton apron, and a caregiver coffee mug. To show my appreciation for caregiver’s tireless work, I am offering free shipping in the United States on these three products. Use code “caregiver” at checkout.

I wish everyone a happy and restful weekend. Thank you for your continued support.