Two Weddings and Four Passings with Six Blessings...

 

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.  - Melody Beattie

The past 45 days has been a whirlwind of events... some joyful, some sad, all memorable (hence the delay in posting!).  First the most joyful; two weddings in one month! Our cousin's daughter had an outdoor wedding nestled outside of Dubuque with a lovely forest for a backdrop.  It had a casual and comfortable vibe; the meal was provided via two food trucks - that allowed guests to pick anything from pizza to gyros - and was truly tasty!

The second wedding was in the Chicago suburbs, one of Jer's university cohort members that completed her degree through the chaos of the pandemic. This was also an outdoor setting with the reception in a huge glass paneled tent.  Dinner was served family style with large bowls of piping hot food passed around the table. 

These joyful events were sandwiched by the passing of four family and friends who left the planet long before we had expected.  Two exited via voluntary hospice and two due to long bouts with cancer.  It gave us both pause to reflect and grieve.  This was contrasted with life celebrations that focused on the highlights and contributions that these souls made in the world.  

In the course of these contrasting events, we were able to reconnect with family and friends in a much more meaningful way.  Grateful and present with those we care about and more committed to make the most of each day - for none of us know how much sand is left in the hour glass of life. 

"Live your life one breath at a time. Take a moment to dance in the rain, laugh loudly, and love with every inch of your heart."