Family Time

Well, after months and months of social distancing, we finally were able to attend a fairly large family wedding!   Justin and Kelly planned an amazing experience for everyone at her parents’ acreage near Lloydminster, Saskatchewan.

But the wedding was more than just witnessing the vows.  There were so many wonderful benefits to getting together including the following:

1. Reconnecting – Our immediate family members travelled from various points across two provinces. It seemed like ages since we had last been together, but it only took about five minutes to catch up and then it was as though no time had passed.
2. Rediscovering – Meeting Kelly’s family was so interesting. You see weddings and marriages mean that strangers can become friends!  Also, children had opportunity to meet aunts and uncles that they had previously only seen in photos.
3. Reviewing – Besides the fun slide show that entertained guests with photos from the birth of the bride and groom right through to their engagement, there was plenty of time to tell stories and share memories of their growing up years.
4. Relaxing – This wedding lasted for three days! There was rehearsal, then ceremony and finally a gift opening.  In between we enjoyed the hotel with its amenities as well as the city of Lloydminster.  Eating together and playing together was a special treat.
5. Re-emerging – Many of us gained new roles and status. I instantly became a great-grandmother (that sounds old, doesn’t it?).   Some became mother-in-law, father-in-law, and grandparent all within a few minutes.  All of us gained extended family as well as new friends.
6. Reflecting – Many thoughts went to the question of who might be next. Several guests were single.  Some had been partners for a fairly long period of time.  Might there be another wedding in the near future?   Interesting to speculate.
7. Rejoicing – After months and months of isolation due to the pandemic, there was plenty of room for giving thanks. First of all, that we could see each other and even more so that this lovely couple had found each other and entered the future with love and hope.

Traditions change over the years, and I have often thought about the importance of having weddings, funerals, and family gatherings.   Often these special occasions are the only times that we see cousins and loved ones.

So now the restrictions have been lifted and we have the opportunity to associate without all the limitations of the past months.

What will you plan that will allow you to reconnect, rediscover, review, relax, re-emerge, reflect, and rejoice?

Don’t wait for someone else to die, get married or plan a gathering.  You can, on your own, take the initiative to light the spark for a wonderful adventure!