Someone told me she was invited to four graduation parties. In the same weekend. Now I like cake and lemonade as much as the next person, but four?

When people reach a milestone, like the end of high school, or a wedding, or an anniversary, the common reflex is to circle up. Bring on the balloons, the party favors, and clink your glasses. It multiplies our joy to share it. More friends around the table does not mean less laughter for each guest, though the slices of cake may get slenderer.  

Hard times don't generally generate engraved invitations, though it may be prudent to show up. I have joined my share of meal lists for friends who are sick, or struggling. While it need not require the strength of Hercules to bake one lasagna, a string of such efforts can get a family through a shadowy valley. 

I did once attend a divorce shower. We were not celebrating the death of her marriage, but had gathered to support her. Our gifts tried to refill her empty apartment when the division of belongings left her without towels. We heard her pain, and surrounded her at a time when she felt terribly alone. 

When my mother lay dying, and mumbled a monologue, she spoke of festivities. 

And I bet the slices were lavish.