We are muddling our way through the darkest time of the pandemic - and yet, I’m starting to see the light. Soon, it will be time to start planning next summer’s weddings, and the hope that we’ll be able to celebrate together again safely brings so much joy. After much silence, I’m excited to talk about celebrations again - especially because a new light is shed on the meaning and significance of special occasions.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder, and I think we all have a new appreciation for the the joyous parts of our lives - and the importance of celebrating them. The stages of life that we have to cherish - births and birthdays, graduations, weddings, anniversaries and retirements. I even look forward to being able to celebrate the lives of those who have passed on - being able to hug and cry and laugh and grieve together - as a family, and and as community.

I’ve realized that pausing our daily lives to purposefully, and thoughtfully mark these rites of passage with ceremony and celebration are vital to our wellbeing. These times nourish our relationships, and our souls. Meeting via zoom has enabled us to carry forward and stay connected - but the idea of actually coming together, in person and without fear, is the fuel that will keep me going this winter.

I hope we can do our collective best to keep eachother safe - and work together to be kind to one another. The stress, the sorrow, the devastation has been so immense - it leaves deep and lasting wounds that will need to be tended. I do believe that gathering together to celebrate the joys in our lives - when able - will help us to heal internally, and externally. Until then, let us imagine and dream, and start to plan.