I would have to say the actual event is better than the anticipation. That is, if you can be present at the event. Here’s a photo from one of my favorite moments from the day that I talked about on my last blog.
My dream came true of getting to dance with my dad and finally celebrate my marriage. Even though it was just a family dinner and nothing super fancy, we still had my dad walk me outside following my sweet niece pictured above dropping rose petals where they led me to my wonderful husband where my dad said a prayer for us to bless our marriage.
Planning a family dinner was like planning a mini wedding, but it turned out to be absolutely perfect! And, the event WAS way better than the anticipation of it! I got to be very blessed by some beautiful ladies earlier that afternoon that threw me a shower and celebrate with some amazing women and I was very honored.
It’s a bit overwhelming when the party is over and you are sitting in a room full of gifts feeling so loved by so many. I was amazed at what people did for us and am so grateful. I made it a point to be as present as I could be in every moment.
Back to the picture…I had given my niece a couple of gifts as awards for being the best “flower girl” and about 10 minutes later, while I was dancing with my dad, she came up and gave me the bracelet she was wearing. It was the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen. How does a tiny little 3 year old brain think to do something like that? Almost like in a funny peace offering sort of way or just “hey, you gave me something, now I want to give you this” and I found out later it was her favorite one.
I still have that bracelet sitting out where I can see it every day and remember such a sweet memory. To see that beautiful face look up at me with the sweetest angelic little face is a memory I will remember for the rest of my life.
Next time you are anticipating an event, I encourage you to try and be present in all of the moments. The planning – breathe through the stress and enjoy it because it should be fun too…the actual event – plan ahead and have someone with you to help take care of things so you can enjoy every moment happening around you.
I will also never forget the anticipation of our pool getting ready before the party. We’ve been remodeling our new home for months and up until a few days prior it was an ugly hole full of rust. I just kept telling myself not to worry and that it would all be done in time. It became swimmable at 4pm the day of the party and our family started arriving at 5pm. So, my husband and I christened the pool by jumping in fully clothed. Dress, dress shirt and all. It was a blast!
Amazing things happen to us all the time and can happen in a flash and be gone in an instant. If you are present and soaking it all in, the memories can last a lifetime.
Here’s to you having many loving and happy memories to last you a lifetime.
Hope you have a safe and happy weekend!