For thirteen years John and I coordinated a conference on President's Day Weekend. Then for reasons I still wonder about, we paused. After reading an article articulating strategies for mental health which included having things to look forward to, I decided. 

 

We will offer one in 2022. 

 

The restraints we have succumbed to for the past year have been heavy. Many of us are hungry for physical contact, celebrations, and connection. Which are all attributes of the marriage conference. 

 

The format included workshops, candlelight dinners, musical entertainment, prizes, and playful childcare. It provided a rich structure for conversation and laughter. While I usually began planning in August, I am already gathering ideas. 

 

One year there was a fashion show of wedding dresses. Several times we showed movies with themes that support relationships. John's barbershop serenaded the crowd during an Italian supper under a canopy. He performed magic for the children, and we hired an animal show. There were sessions that leaned into communication, and navigating our differences. Others focused on other modes than talking, like couple's massage, and messing with clay. One artist helped participants create interlocking rings, which I still wear every day. My twins were invaluable for keeping a gym full of children happy, and I will be hard pressed to replace them. There was a year when we offered a renewal ceremony for couples to affirm their vows, and another when a dozen multilingual couples read the 23rd psalm. Every year I gifted a few quilts. 

 

If I include the joy in anticipation, and the sweetness of remembering, it lasts much longer than one day.