As I’ve struggled coming up with a way to make my daughter’s end of high school experience special amidst the Covid pandemic, I’ve come to realize that memorable moments are not the big, flashy or costly events but rather the simple, heart-felt moments when connections are made.
We may not realize the lasting impact of our simple, sincere actions on others,
I was recently reminded of how easy it is to overlook those meaningful moments of connection.
Making Moments of Connection
Twice a year while my children were taking piano lessons, they participated in a nearby music festival. For months before the event they would practice, memorize, and work diligently improving their piano skills to perform before a judge.
As a reward after every festival, I would take my children to a charming nearby restaurant. It was one we didn’t frequent often, so it became a special place for us.
During the Pandemic
With not being able to gather because of the pandemic, my daughter recorded her piano pieces this year and we sent them on to the judge by way of her piano teacher.
That was it. No association with the judge, her teacher or other students. No visiting on the drive in or home. No eating out at our special restaurant. Nothing that made the day special.
It reminded her of a previous festival when she had to drive herself alone and felt let-down.
Making the Day Special
I decided we needed to make this final festival experience special, so we chose the day and drove the 45 miles to our celebratory restaurant.
We enjoyed an afternoon together commemorating her piano accomplishments and each other’s company.
It didn’t cost a lot. It wasn’t a flashy celebration, nevertheless it was a celebration and a memorable moment of shared connection.
If you’re feeling weighed down with self-imposed expectations to create a big event to make an accomplishment memorable, consider that perhaps all that is needed is a shared connection to make the moment meaningful.
With love,
