Two Wakes, Five Funerals and a Shower

A movie I liked very much was "Four Weddings and a Funeral." I don't think that the span of time in which it took place was a week, but in my slightly elongated week -- last Friday night to tomorrow afternoon -- I will attend two wakes for relatives of colleagues and I spent this afternoon at a bridal shower. There were also funerals for five other people I know, from just about every part of my life and throughout the country.

I am so glad that the shower has been on my schedule for the last two months. The bride is the daughter of a dear work colleague. I've known her since she was ten and it is a delight to see the lovely young woman she has become. The food was great, the company was warm and I even genuinely enjoyed the shower games. I won an adorable basket that was the table centerpiece for my participation in an "Iron Chef" game, and just like at birthday parties in elementary school, it's fun to have prizes at parties. It's also fun to laugh, to hug and to remember that even in the saddest week, there is definitely something to smile about.

I'm tired now. It may be working too many hours and the emotional overload of all that happened this week. It may be the two mimosas I had at the shower and the red velvet cupcake I ate just a little while ago, which was one of the shower favors. And it may be the combination of all of the above. But I am so grateful that in the midst of all that happened there was joy to embrace!

And to one of my dearest friends and dearest blog readers, Happy birthday to Kate! Wishing you the best of years, with health, much happiness and a wonderful new horizons -- including a trip to Montana. One more great time to look forward to. Love and hugs to you!

And love and hugs to all of you who come and visit, leave thoughtful and sweet comments and have made my life that much richer.