Halloween has always carried a strange mix of light and shadow for me. The laughter, the candy, the costumes—it’s all there, but so is the ache. As we move closer to Halloween this year, I find myself facing a reality I hoped never to revisit. Fourteen years in remission, and yesterday I underwent another biopsy. Now I wait—caught in that anxious limbo only survivors truly understand—knowing the mass sits in the same place as my first cancer. This alone carries its own heavy weight, but to face it again during October, the very month dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness, makes it even more sobering.
Prayer for Waiting Seasons:
Lord, in the waiting, give us peace. In the shadows, let us see Your light. In fear, remind us of Your presence. And in every uncertain moment, anchor us in hope. Amen.
When I drift back to childhood, the first glow that rises isn’t fear—it’s love. My mother hand-painted our trick-or-treat buckets every single year, with our names written carefully across the front. They weren’t store-bought or plastic—they were treasures made by her hands. She passed away when I was just 14, at only 35 years old, and those buckets have become one of the most tender memories I carry.
And then there was my Nana, Mary Margaret. Every Halloween, we made sure to stop at her house, because she always gave us the gift box of individually wrapped mini Reese’s cups—the real deal. I think that’s where my lifelong passion for Reese’s was born. Oh, how I wish she could see her great-great-grandchildren today. She would love them so.
Now, in my house, it’s my little dog Lincoln—Floof-a-Loof—who steals the show. If he ever went trick-or-treating, he’d skip the wrapped candy and dive straight into the unwrapped “evidence,” making a royal mess of the bucket. He’d be the dog-version of that kid who eats the loot before getting home. 🐾🍬
Let't jump for a minute to the important side of Halloween: Safety Tips
Halloween isn’t all just cute and funny. Statistics remind us that children are twice as likely to be struck by a car on Halloween than any other night of the year (Safe Kids Worldwide). That’s why safety matters more than ever:
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🚗 Be Seen, Be Safe: Add reflective tape to costumes, give kids glow sticks, and carry flashlights.
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🎭 Choose Smart Costumes: Face paint over masks, flame-resistant fabrics.
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🍬 Check the Candy: Toss anything unwrapped (sorry, Floof).
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👨👩👧 Stay Together: Trick-or-treat in groups with an adult.
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🏡 Plan the Route: Stick to familiar neighborhoods.
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One of the dearest memories I hold are those painted childhood buckets, my name “Celeste” brushed on by my mother’s loving hands. Something so simple, but it made me feel seen and special.
Halloween traditions stay with us long after the candy is gone. What about you? What’s one Halloween memory that always makes you smile, even on the hard days? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear it.
Life is fragile, and joy matters. Even in seasons of fear and waiting, we can still hold onto the sweetness. If you’re looking for a little lighthearted fun, check out my Creepin’ It Cute clipart set in the Etsy shop. Because creepy can be cute too. 🎃💜
Creepin it Cute Clip Art Bundle
🎃 With love & a little spook,
Mags & Lincoln — a.k.a. Sir Lincoln Morningstar 👑
Move over, Lucifer… Floof’s coming for your throne. 🐾🔥
