Day 21 of 25 DAYS OF HUGGING:
Something imbedded in the DNA of every Italian is a party. When I asked Christina’s dad if I could marry his daughter, he never actually said yes, but instead asked, “When should we have a little engagement party?” I took that as his approval.
Christina loved a party; she loved hosting them and she loved being at them. It was her chance to see people, to hug people, to laugh and to smile. It could be as simple as Sunday Pasta Diner (that’s good for a dozen people minimum in our family) or a 500-person wedding; it didn’t matter. If one of us was not up for being at a party, that would not cut it with Christina. “We have people to see, you get that scowl off your face right now.”
It wasn’t about networking or face time or any of those catch phrases we like to use in life, it was about time with others, taking their warmth and love while spreading hers and squeezing the daylights out of you.
It was simple and honest, and worth immeasurable value.
That smile that lit up a room was the best decoration any party ever had. It’s up to us to remember that and keep it going. 2020 has been a year where we have all realized how much we miss social interaction; here’s hoping that when we get it back soon, we will be more like Christina and bring the gift of warmth, AND HUGS, and smiles to such special events!
In the meantime please consider a donation to CCCF: www.celebratingchristina.org/donate
One day, one goal, one hug.
