Have you ever eagerly ordered a dress for a special occasion only to realize, a bit too late, that it might not arrive in time? That was my experience as I checked my to-do list while preparing for a long-awaited gathering last week.
This event was with my book club, where members and their partners were coming together for our first social get-together since the pandemic. We organized it as a “launch party” to celebrate the release of my debut book. To make it unforgettable, we chose a 1950s cocktail party theme.
My friend, Sarah, graciously offered to host the event in her beautifully renovated historic home, known for its lively gatherings in the past. When she and her husband purchased it, they discovered the garage walls adorned with signatures from previous guests.
It was enjoyable hearing my friends discuss era-appropriate hemlines, petticoats, and hairstyles as we prepared for the party. We shared photos of the dresses we liked online while debating our favorites. The menu was shaping up nicely, featuring an array of finger foods like pimento cheese sandwiches cut into triangles, stuffed mushrooms, deviled eggs, assorted meats and cheeses, and a Bundt cake. A punch bowl with a crown of sherbet and fizzy soda would be the centerpiece of the dining table.
As I reviewed my checklist:
- Martini glasses
- Signature cocktail recipe
- Grocery list
- Dress
I had ordered a charming tea-length dress with a full skirt, fitted waist, and capped sleeves in a lovely sky blue sateen over a week before the event. I was excited to don the elegance of a bygone era. When it didn’t arrive as expected, I felt the panic set in.
Fortunately, living in my hometown meant I could rummage through my parents’ attic, where they still stored old prom and bridesmaid dresses. I quickly gathered a few options to try on at home while my three kids waited in the car. Then, I remembered my Grandma. I wondered if she had any vintage dresses tucked away.
Grandma always carried herself with an air of sophistication, despite her humble beginnings on a South Dakota farm. Perhaps it was her impeccable style, or the proud tilt of her chin, but she exuded class. At 101, she still lived independently in her townhouse. Surely, she must have a cocktail dress stowed away somewhere.
A quick call later, and voilà — two stunning vintage cocktail dresses in pristine condition!
I pulled into her driveway, my kids still sandy from our afternoon by the nearby river. I worried about tracking dirt into her immaculate home, but we were welcomed with open arms. The familiar aroma of her kitchen enveloped me as I stepped inside.
Grandma loved clothes, and every piece had a story. She reminisced about the wonderful memories tied to her dresses while I admired them. One was a brown sleeveless dress adorned with black stitching and a chic boat neck. The other was a black tea-length dress with a fitted waist and lace accents at the shoulders.
My children took turns visiting with Grandma as she sat in her favorite chair, and it was clear she cherished them. “Oh, Lisa. They are so special,” she said, her eyes twinkling with affection.
Before I left, I turned to her and said, “Grandma, you’ve given me so much. I’m so grateful to have a grandmother who supports me.” With a sparkle in her eye and a playful fist pump, she silently agreed.
She sent me home with a black sequin clutch and sparkling crystal earrings, completing my look for the party.
The celebration was enchanting. My husband and I raised our glasses to our friends for their unwavering support, having helped us navigate the toughest time of our lives after he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome on Valentine’s Day 2019. This unexpected illness had rendered him a quadriplegic on a ventilator in a matter of days. He spent fifteen weeks ventilated and completely immobile before his remarkable recovery nearly a year later.
The party was a joyous celebration of my husband’s recovery, as well as a tribute to my book, The Other Side of Us: A Memoir of Trauma, Truth, and Transformation, which shares the profound lessons we learned throughout our traumatic journey.
The gathering took place on Saturday evening. The very next Monday, my dad called to inform me that Grandma had passed away. I felt an immediate wave of grief, though I knew she had lived a full life.
Reflecting on the weekend, I realized that my initial disappointment over the missing dress had turned into a precious gift. Had my dress arrived on time, I wouldn’t have had the chance to visit Grandma one last time, nor would my children have had the opportunity to say hello, or goodbye as it turned out. I’ll always treasure the memory of that day, seeing her smile and the genuine love radiating from her face.
I will forever be thankful that the dress didn’t arrive. It felt like fate, a reminder that the universe is continually weaving connections between events. While some experiences may seem frustrating or painful at the moment, with time and perspective, the bigger picture often reveals itself.
We are encouraged to trust in that process.
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Search Queries:
- How to choose the perfect dress for a party
- Finding vintage clothing
- Planning a theme party
- Celebrating a book launch
- Understanding Guillain-Barré Syndrome
In summary, a delayed online order unexpectedly led to a cherished memory with my grandmother, highlighting the importance of trusting the universe’s timing.