Last week I attended a Bachelorette Party. The announcement even called it, "The Fling before the Ring". Bridal Showers are one thing, but this? For a week, I was a little giddy with anticipation. Who knew what to expect? What type of gift do you bring? The standard "safe" gift of a cookie sheet and a recipe probably wasn't going to cut it. I didn't want to be the boring one. But I also didn't want to be the only wrapping up red lingerie.
Mostly, because the bride-to-be was a 60+ widow. On top of that, once upon a time, I dated her son. And lastly, the whole ward Relief Society was invited.
So I went with a basket full of cozy socks, hot chocolate and a board game. Call me a chicken, but I've got to see these people at church on a weekly basis.
Watching her giggle as she unwrapped presents (some more risque than others) I was struck by the variety of women in the room. Looking at them, I saw two other widows. One lost her husband quite a few years ago, the other lost her spouse within the past few months. Other women had lost children or had struggled to conceive. Still others have struggled with job loss, wayward children and all sort of various heartache. Yet, here we all were laughing and sharing in the joy of a sister's happiness. It was a brief glimpse of heaven.
I tried to explain it to Ryan later. He just looked at me like I was crazy. So I turned to Sydney and told her, "Syd, you may not understand it now, when you are fifteen. Because at fifteen, girls are rough on each other. But I want you to know that Sisterhood is real. It is necessary. We're there for each other to cry, both tears of sorrow and tears of happiness. Sometimes that's all we have to offer. But sometimes that all that is needed.
I think Syd may have given me a crazy look too. That's OK, because pretty soon she will be inducted to the club. And then she'll know what I mean.
7 comments:
Marcie--
I am in awe at how you can find such joy in simple things. You are right and how lucky we are to have sisterhood. How blessed I am because you are actually my sister. I love you.
Lori
I agree that being part of that "club" is a pretty amazing thing. I think that is one of the most important things about RS --- it brings women together who might not otherwise interact. We get to learn from each other and we get to laugh. It sounds like you all had a great time!
I was hoping you were a risk taker! I still remember Julie's shower and her grandma was shocked at a pair of thong underwear she got. I can still hear her saying "well I never!" It was funny and julie was very careful what she showed everyone after that!
Glad you had a good time!
That was a fun bridal shower. I went home and told Quinn all about it an he got a big kick out of it. I loved seeing these women interact outside of church on a "girly" basis. I saw many of them in a new light. :)
I always look forward to reading your posts ~ I loved being at the shower and was also in awe of all the different ages and personalities of the women there. It was so fun! Thank you for putting these feelings, we all had, in writing!
Marybeth
I love this thought. I have had this feeling many times with my ward "sisters". So who is the luck gal and guy?
LOL. I was glad when I couldn't make it to the shower because I knew that would give me some time to come up with a "safe" present too. lol And then to know it wasn't going to be broadcast in front of everyone too! :)
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