It’s been a whirlwind for me in the last couple weeks – the level of busy that other people seem to manage with their eyes closed but that make me feel just a little unprepared for what’s coming next. There’s been a wedding, the final efforts on a consulting project, child care classes beginning, a theater experience, and a visit from my sister and her husband all the way from Kansas. Whew!
Well I make it all seem like it happened in the space of a week and it’s really been spaced out over about three weeks. But still. And it’s all been good. I’ll probably share some insights I’ve had from these various experiences – after I reflect on them a while for which I haven’t yet made space in my head.
So I’ll start with the wedding. Jeremy and I met a dozen years ago or so through work with our good friends at Executive Edge (www.executiveedgeinc.com – you’ll be impressed.) He was 18 and I was more than twice his age. We saw each other just one week a year for about ten years, but the nature of our work and the nature of Jeremy meant that we always looked forward to the next time we’d see each other. And along the way, another friend – closer to my age than his – and I did a fair amount of relationship counseling with this lovely young man. So I was thrilled to hear that he was getting married – and honored to be included on his guest list. No question. Had to go!
In order to attend, Ray and I drove 3 hours in New York, 1 hour in Pennsylvania, and 1 hour in Ohio – and had not just a lovely time at Jeremy and Jaime’s wedding, but also got to experience that natural learning and broadening stuff that comes with spending a little time even a short way from home. Ah travel!
First the wedding. Lovely. A bride who shimmered with excitement. A groom who stood tall and firm. Exuberant love of family. Great food prepared by the men and women of Jeremy’s home church. Dance floor crammed with friends and family. A chance to participate in creating a sand painting sculpture as a memento for the bride and groom. Good friends (those same Executive Edge folks) at our table. Meeting – and approving of – another young friend’s boyfriend. Oh. And by special request of the bride and groom – Jello shots made by friends and family. Overall, fun, endearing, a delightful experience that I feel privileged to attend.
And then more time with friends learning about their adventures – a ten-year-old’s view of exercising with Wii-Fit, planning trips to the Northwest, sailing lessons, learning to jump on Joe the horse. And lots more.
Meanwhile, all this took place in a part of the country populated by some 12,000 Amish people. So there was interest and curiosity about a culture that includes horses, buggies, bonnets, and quilts. We only dipped a toe into this country, but still our minds felt expanded.
On our way home, a billboard that announced PerchFest caught our eyes – and minutes later we were on our way toward Fairport Harbor, Ohio, where a fishing contest has spawned a terrific Perch and Walleye dinner and festival. There was a talent show – PerchFest Idol we assumed – a very interesting small maritime museum, and a lighthouse with 69 open steps spiraling toward the top. I clung to the rail, hand over hand, all the way to the top where the view of Lake Erie was worth it – before I realized that it was a lot scarier coming back down!
It was a grand trip. Just two nights and five hours away from home – but it was a whole world away. And that whole world entered into our psyches to become part of who we are. That’s the thing I find most interesting about going somewhere new. It’s what we learn – sometimes when we don’t even realize it – that makes us more open, more understanding, more compassionate, more curious about our fellow beings of all species. I’m thinking I should encourage more young people I know to marry – for their own happiness sure, but also so I have the chance for more of these kinds of broadening experiences that I savor so much!
Here’s wishing you the particular brand of broadening experience you savor in the week ahead!
Sally
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