WASN’T THAT A PARTY!

Recently I was invited to the wedding of friends booked at the Calgary Bird Sanctuary for Saturday May 30, 2026.  I was told that the event would be small as only close friends and family were being invited so by hearing this, I was even more honoured to be included.

Well, the shock came when we were sitting outside watching the beautiful ceremony that included traditions from the groom’s Dene culture and from the bride’s Filipino culture.  The decorations, music, and details were immaculate, but what moved my heart the most was the fact that guests had flown in from Chili, Quebec, the Philippines, the United States, and other far-off locations, dressed in beautiful outfits from their countries.  Each was prepared to contribute to the day by bringing their uniqueness to the celebration.

The reception seemed to hold about 200 guests.  Small wedding?  The sushi restaurant offered so many choices that it was hard to decide exactly where to start.  The mother of the bride, bride and her daughter danced in costume in their native style.  The groom took his mother to the floor, and we all enjoyed watching inter-generational connection!

The speeches were from diplomats and colleagues as well as the wedding party.  I had planned to sing “Smile”, a Nat King Cole hit from the 1950s but sometimes things change and you have to be quick on your feet.  

After my Mexico trip I had a bout of laryngitis so was still croaking a little like Kermit the Frog.  I realized that singing was not the best choice but even though I didn’t have time to prepare a speech I decided to add a little humour to the day!

So, after announcing that I was planning to tell the truth to the crowd I realized that I had everyone’s attention.  With a serious face I proceeded to tell them that I was a friend of the groom’s mother who had wanted me to meet her son long before his bride had entered the picture.  With tongue in cheek, I pretended that I had misunderstood my friend believing that perhaps she wanted me to have a romantic relationship with him. 

The crowd laughed as I described my attempts to get his attention while he ignored them.  I summed up the tale by announcing that now I have a significant problem because I am single again and asked the crowd if there was anyone in the room who was available or knew of someone who was available for me.

The preposterous but hilarious scene I painted for them ended by me saying “Everyone has said such nice things to the bride and groom so I guess that I should too.  My very best wishes to the hunk and his new woman!”  Peals of laughter filled the room.

There are so many lessons from this day:
1.     Enjoy the diversity that surrounds us.
2.     Give thanks for blessings we have.
3.     Assess the room and make adjustments when necessary.
4.     Be yourself!
5.     Ensure that laughter is a part of your life.
6.    Share with others.

All of these things can be added to even this very day to make it special no matter where you are or who you are with.  In fact, you can make every day of your life a party just by changing your attitude!

Smile and have some fun!

Dr. Linda Hancock, the author of “Life is An Adventure…every step of the way” and “Open for Business Success” is a Registered Psychologist who has a private practice in Medicine Hat.  She can be reached at 403-529-6877or through email office@drlindahancock.com