The Halloween Beard That Melted… and the Lesson That Stuck.

When I was six years old, for Halloween, I wanted to be a cowboy. Not the store-bought kind…the real deal.

My mom, the creative one, decided to make it happen without spending a dime. She handed me a flannel shirt, a thrift-store vest, and a straw cowboy hat that had clearly seen better days. Then came her “special effect”…a beard made from Vaseline and coffee grounds.

Within minutes, my face smelled like a diner and stuck to everything it touched. But when I looked in the mirror, I didn’t see a sticky kid. I saw a cowboy…the rootinest tootinest cowboy in the wild west.

That night, I strutted from house to house, swinging my plastic six-shooter and shouting “Howdy!” at every porch light. My parents followed a few steps behind, flashlight in one hand, camera in the other, making sure I didn’t trip on my oversized boots or wander too far ahead.

I didn’t know it then, but that’s what real protection looked like. Not just insurance policies or reflective tape but love, attention, and presence.

What It Means to Protect What Matters Most

Now that I’m a parent, I get it.

Halloween isn’t just about candy; it’s about moments that turn into memories. And the best way to protect those memories is to plan ahead.

So, this year, before the trick-or-treat rush begins, here are a few things to keep your own little cowboys, superheroes, and princesses safe:

• Light the way. Flashlights, glow sticks, or reflective tape make it easier for drivers (and parents) to spot their little goblins.
• Stay together. Whether you’re walking as a family or giving older kids some space, set a meeting spot and check-in times.
• Comfort counts. Make sure costumes fit well, shoes are sturdy, and layers keep everyone warm when the sun goes down.
• Check the candy. A quick once-over before anyone digs in keeps things simple and safe.
• Be a safe stop. If you’re at home handing out candy, keep the porch light bright, paths clear, and pets inside.

A Little Reminder

My mom’s homemade cowboy beard eventually melted somewhere between the third and fourth house that night, but the memory of my parents walking behind me, keeping watch, never faded.

That’s what Halloween safety is really about: protecting what matters most…the people we love, the laughter we share, and the stories we get to tell years later.

From all of us at Glidewell, here’s to a safe, joy-filled Halloween…and may your DIY costume ideas age better than my Vaseline beard.