"My family is not like yours."
Envelopes, stamps, pens, print-shops -- all components of assembling our save the dates. <-- did that sentence look like it knew what it was talking about? Being new at the wedding DIY biz, I have felt pretty clueless all day...but that sentence felt good. :)
In the midst of Hobby Lobby, my 6th store of the day, starring at a wall of endless pens of all different colors, sizes and purposes, I was cursing myself for not being a more crafty. If I were, this process wouldn't seem like such a crap shoot.
And then, as if the stationary gods took pity on me, I turned the corner to find a childhood friend who has made quite the hobby out of stamps and card-stock. I hadn't seen her since her wedding in November (for which she designed and crafted her own invitations) and unfortunately life had been rough for her this past December.
She told me about her grandmother's failing health and eventual passing and about a recent back injury. When I asked about her immediate family she didn't have much positive news on that front either: increasing conflict with her mother, and dealing with the disappointment of a distant (both physically and emotionally) sister.
When I became defensive for my friend, questioning the lack of loyalty that surrounded her -- she cut me off, "Carolyn, my family isn't like yours. We're not close." That shut me up.
This was not her intention, but what could I say? She was telling me that the scenarios were not worth battling and she said it with such saddened exhaustion -- I felt us both wincing and shrugging our shoulders, not in a way that signified it was okay...just that it was what it was.
I adore this girl and will forever wonder how she got dealt that hand.
Later today, I ran back to Michael's to make an exchange at the suggestion of my friend who advised that the wax sealing I bought would not likely go through the mail. Upon leaving the store I ran into my cousin who greeted me lovingly and cheerfully talked about my wedding.
When I hugged my cousin goodbye I almost thanked her, which would have been awkward. (Not that my family isn't used to my awkwardness) But I was indebted to my friend who made me think about family a little bit differently today...and I was overcome with gratefulness.
Envelopes, stamps, pens, print-shops -- all components of assembling our save the dates. <-- did that sentence look like it knew what it was talking about? Being new at the wedding DIY biz, I have felt pretty clueless all day...but that sentence felt good. :)
In the midst of Hobby Lobby, my 6th store of the day, starring at a wall of endless pens of all different colors, sizes and purposes, I was cursing myself for not being a more crafty. If I were, this process wouldn't seem like such a crap shoot.
And then, as if the stationary gods took pity on me, I turned the corner to find a childhood friend who has made quite the hobby out of stamps and card-stock. I hadn't seen her since her wedding in November (for which she designed and crafted her own invitations) and unfortunately life had been rough for her this past December.
She told me about her grandmother's failing health and eventual passing and about a recent back injury. When I asked about her immediate family she didn't have much positive news on that front either: increasing conflict with her mother, and dealing with the disappointment of a distant (both physically and emotionally) sister.
When I became defensive for my friend, questioning the lack of loyalty that surrounded her -- she cut me off, "Carolyn, my family isn't like yours. We're not close." That shut me up.
This was not her intention, but what could I say? She was telling me that the scenarios were not worth battling and she said it with such saddened exhaustion -- I felt us both wincing and shrugging our shoulders, not in a way that signified it was okay...just that it was what it was.
I adore this girl and will forever wonder how she got dealt that hand.
Later today, I ran back to Michael's to make an exchange at the suggestion of my friend who advised that the wax sealing I bought would not likely go through the mail. Upon leaving the store I ran into my cousin who greeted me lovingly and cheerfully talked about my wedding.
When I hugged my cousin goodbye I almost thanked her, which would have been awkward. (Not that my family isn't used to my awkwardness) But I was indebted to my friend who made me think about family a little bit differently today...and I was overcome with gratefulness.
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