Saying “Goodbye” to friends and family is not fun. In fact, I would advise everyone to avoid it at all costs. Unfortunately, skipping town without hugging friends and telling them how much we care about them is not the best thing to do. So when my friends decided to throw me a, “Not Goodbye” party (a.k.a. See Ya Later Party), I was thrilled. It was such a thoughtful idea. It turns out my kids’ friends had the same idea too. Many of our friends gathered on particular dates in order for my daughter, my son and I to see our friends one last time before we moved. Each event was an amazing experience.

The above example of a party pinch is extreme and over-the-top. The “all hands on deck” approach of seven friends who threw this party for me included a well-crafted Evite, catered food, valet parking, a full bar and a gorgeous venue. This fancy event went off without a hitch! A few elements that made me feel so special were: Displaying photos of my friends, serving my favorite candy and cookies, a compilation of songs for a Spotify playlist, balloons, a book compiled with sentiments and flowers from my favorite florist. If considering ways to show a friend you will miss them, pick one gesture. It will be plenty and very well-received by the celebrant.

For my daughter, two moms of the dancers in her level of ballet put together a wonderful “See You Later” party. The date for the party was absolutely perfect because all the dancers were able to attend since the date corresponded with the showing of Strawberry Festival. Strawberry Festival is when all the dancers at the Minnesota Dance Theatre showcase what they have learned during the year. Depending on the level, they perform up to a maximum of three dances. All of the families in Level 3 signed up individually to watch the show but we gathered together at the home of one of the dancers to watch the festival together outside on a big screen TV. It was a gorgeous day and being with each other was so lovely. It made me feel good to watch all the dancers interacting and being great friends. A year ago, everyone was at home wondering if they would ever dance together in person. To see them enjoying this afternoon together was so nice; we could have stayed all day long.

As my daughter and I walked up to see her friends, it was clear which house on the block was hosting the party for her. The banners made us feel so welcomed and special. In the back yard, tables of snacks and goodies were ready to serve. The perfect day consisted of: fantastic weather, fun activities, everyone was able to attend, proper protocol for food and drinks were administered etc. The added bonus: the dancers made my daughter a scrapbook. It is so heart-warming!

For my son, my friend Kelly gathered her son and some school friends and threw him a surprise party. My son claims he knew something about the party but when pressed, I don’t think he knew that the party was for him. What touched me the most about this party is that Kelly thought about throwing this party weeks before and even though there was a lot going on and things got busier than she expected, she followed thru with the plans. She was determined to gather the boys no matter what the challenges were. God bless her!

The boys enjoyed some swimming, a little football and just horsing around. It was just enough to get some competition in for the day but not enough to have an organized agenda. Free flowing and carefree. We were touched to see that a room had been set up, complete with Broncos decorations. This is where the boys were able to have treats, drinks and snacks. And what made my heart so full…they each said something nice about my son. Of course I teared up! I have this gesture recorded on video and I will cherish it forever.

Needless to say, in our final months in MPLS, my family has felt very loved, thought of, cared about and lucky. We were sad to go. We didn’t want to say goodbye even though we have been very excited about the new life we will have in Denver. I think all of the party pinches that we have been sent off with will last a lifetime. I’m sharing these moments because there is joy along with closure. Even though it doesn’t seem like there would be joy, thinking about all these parties makes me smile and my heart is full. When contemplating on what to do, say or give to someone you care about as they move way, consider the thoughtful pinch of gathering friends and family for a party. It doesn’t have to be fancy, big or even completely planned out. Just to gather makes it easier on the person leaving because they are able to see more people at one gathering. Plus, gathering makes a sad event a very wonderful one. Memories that will last forever.

Pinches,

Barb