Laura: Walking Down Memory Aisle
My younger sister remarried last summer. She decided to host a grand event in Big Sur, California, with the main purpose being to reunite long-time friends and family.
It was a stunning event, attended by quite a few people I grew up with. I hadn’t seen my close friend Peggy in ages and I had forgotten how many experiences we had shared. We reminisced about ballet and riding lessons, a two-year stint at a private school, combined family dinners, beloved dogs, the loss of her brother – it was a heartwarming trip down memory lane.
I was thrilled to see another friend, Connie. She had taught me how to read (although I suspect I may have memorized some of those pages), and she went on to teach high-school English. She now travels the globe competing in triathlons.
My two sons and I traveled with with my brother and his wife, and enjoyed catching up with the rest of the family when we arrived. I also connected with one of my sister’s close friends, whom I had never known well because I am nine years older than they are. She was delightful! In fact, everyone was cheerful, grounded, and genuinely happy to have this amazing reunion opportunity.
As part of the immediate family, I also had fun talking to folks I didn’t know. We all made new connections and strengthened the threads of the tapestry that told the story of the day itself, and the years that led up to it.
The whole experience reminded me that people come in and out of our lives to serve a higher calling and purpose – I don’t think our core connections happen randomly.
As we watched the sun set on the California coast, sharing old memories and making new ones, there were many connecting forces in play. But one connecting force was clearly stronger than the ceremony, the setting, or the food. Can you guess what it was?
It was . . . music and dancing! So many people got up and danced with complete abandon. Old people, young people, with partners, without partners, conga lines, circles, fast, slow, going with the beat, or following an inner drum. The uninhibited, joyous energy of the music and dancing captured everyone’s imagination. Even if you weren’t dancing, you were mesmerized by those who were; you were still connected to a magical, mystical moment.
My sister’s wedding sparked a deep sense of gratitude about the people I have in my life – the ones who were there that day, the ones who were there in spirit, and the ones I am lucky enough to work with every day.