BETTER DAYS CHALLENGE

We're all dreaming of better days—when we're finally able to see the people we've missed all this time and do the things we've anxiously been waiting to do.  As the mother of a grade 12 Graduate to be, keeping our Graduate positive was a challenge. Not letting her feel defeated was a welcomed task. The philosophy of seeing the glass half full became the most important thing during isolation. Dreaming of better for our girl, I didn't want her graduating year to be defined by a pandemic. I desperately dreamt of something for the Grads to outshine the negative. Daring to Dream is so important more so now than ever.

What I have planned for 'The first-day post -isolation Day' is; to celebrate my daughter's Graduating Class of 2020 and restore that excitement and hope this milestone should have been filled with...  (Starting the day before with invitations texts, e-mails, and or phone messages to all of our daughter's Graduating classmates of 2020,  "Graduation Garden Party"! Also, a few calls...like to my Sis-in-law's bakery and teachers).  

FIRST DAY POST ISOLATION:

7 am - 8am:

With a large cup of hot chocolate (breakfast of champions) in one hand and phone in the other, putting all pre-planned plans (that are on standby)  for this Grad Garden Party into action. Delegation of duties done and all services implemented. I love my helpful siblings.8:30amWaking of the 'Graduate to be' (an honor all on its own) hmmm ice water, celebratory music or jumping all over her in the bed....or all three? ALL THREE! (Let me take this time to mention that my family like to joke around and get silly?) Breakfast and more instruction on upcoming day.

1:00pm

The mid-afternoon  Graduation Garden Party has started....picture this....A large canopy set up in our beautiful Assiniboia Park, in the partially treed open field. There's a gentle breeze...it's a perfect day. Graduation balloons of blue and gold everywhere (not to worry, they are biodegradable) and MMXX signs placed by the canopy. All of the setup tables have Graduation Party table cloths and there are balloons tied to chairs. The centerpieces of blue sand pails filled with mini bottles of bubbles are set out.  Soft jazz fills the air as 133 of our future Graduates and Teachers mill about visiting and catching up.  A photographer is wandering around in the background taking photos of every Graduate in attendance.  There's a cluster of Graduates signing one of the St James Class of 2020 posters, with a blue and gold glitter markers.Inside the tent on one of the tables covered with blue tablecloths- party finger foods such as wraps & mini sandwiches, vegetable & pickle platters, fruit and cheese platters are all ready to go. On another table there are delectable desserts like mini  Cupcakes that say " Graduate, 2020 and MMXX"  and a candy bar, with little take-home bags.  The last table has a blue raspberry signature punch (in glass drink containers filled with ice) surrounded by gold cups, napkins and cutlery.GROUP PHOTO!Table games have started. Some of the Grads are having an UNO tournament (this graduating class's favorite game). The sounds of laughter and triumph echo over the din of post isolation chatter, as everyone enjoys the Grad Garden Party.

6:00pm - 11:00pm 

The day is perfect and long but everyone is enjoying themselves.  As the day turns to dusk, all the mini lights that were previously hung are now glowing under the canopy. Citronella torches have also now been lit.  Bubbles are floating everywhere.

A BBQ is fired up and the smell of burgers and hot dogs quickly fill the air as supper time approaches. The music has changed from jazz to top 90s charts and people are now playing volleyball; and other summer games. Ice filled coolers of pop have now been brought out. Tables and chairs have been replaced with picnic blankets and semi-dress has now been downgraded to casual. An open fire pit now boasts its presence for toasting marshmallows. Mason jars filled with glow bracelets. By 10:30 the party is winding down and it's almost time to go.

11:00pm Decorations have been taken down, food put away, garbage cleaned up... all that's left are the photos and the memory of a FUN picnic turned into a Graduation Garden Party (focusing on our Grads).  Knowing that we made the post -isolation day special for our Future Graduate and the other 132 Future Graduates is something I won't regret. Throwing a (picnic turned) Grad Garden Party, is well worth the effort to make someone's day. I'm happy because I know so many will enjoys this treat including our Daughter. I'm so very thankful for all the family help also.

11:20pm

On our way home, I smile as Hubby and I talk about the excitement of the day. Looking in the rear view mirror, our girls have dozed off (our Graduate and her little sister).

There has been so much uncertainty. Hopefully putting the spot light onto our Grads will help to get back to some sort of normal. Persia turning 18, our 25th Wedding Anniversary and a few other important milestones have all been overshadowed. What better way to spend my/our first-day post -isolation than doing something special like this. It doesn't get any better than this. So very thankful...