Planning events is not for the faint at heart. I loved it at one point in time, but you’ll see how that love changed in this quick blog post.
As stated in (Forever Daddy’s Girl post) my grief support group started as a brunch idea. Shortly after I turned it into a dinner meetup. I had hoped that we, ladies who loss their Dad could meet up and just chat and chew. Discuss how we were grieving or not grieving. I will admit my 1st event was last minute but full of purpose. I had a few people interested but as the date got closer no one was available, so I ended up canceling the dinner.
I had the same idea one year later. I knew what I wanted, and I planned it in advance. After my Dad passed; Father’s Day weekend was literally torture especially away from home. So, I thought others might feel the same way. I just knew I was providing an outlet for me and others. If I was back home in Paterson, NJ I could easily celebrate with my Papa or Uncles. Nope, I’m in NC by myself. It’s a holiday…all my friends are with their own families not that they weren’t thinking about me but yea they were occupied. My Boyfriend loss his Dad too so there was no celebrating on his end either. I made the reservation at Skye Tower in Raleigh, NC; I posted the flyer and Facebook event weeks in advance. I spent hours browsing Pinterest for the best "Thank you for coming" gifts. I had so many ideas…I tend to get carried away with stuff like this. I ended up getting a small glass jar. They were a dollar each,it was a no brainer (Call me Frugal Frannie lol). I like nice things, but my budget humbled me. The jars were cute, but I needed a pop. I reached out to my girl who was making bags, tumblers, posters you name it she had it for you. I had her make me some personalized “Forever Daddy’s Girl” handkerchiefs.
One of my church mentors believed in my vision and she gifted me the cutest stripe gift bags to put all my trinkets in for my guests. The day of the event I had a close friend come with me…her Dad is alive and well I just needed the support. I’m so glad she did. Little did I know this event was just for me. Yup you guessed it…nobody showed up. I was upset initially but I got over it shortly after. I was determined to give away at least one gift bag though. I rode around downtown Raleigh looking for someone…anyone but I didn’t find anyone to give it to. The next day I went to work and learned my coworker loss her Dad years ago…I went to my car and later gifted her the "Thank you for coming" gift bag. Instead of blaming everyone for lack of support I concluded that Fathers Day weekend may be too much for them to do anything just yet. We are all at different levels of grief and that’s okay.
Most would have given up planning events by now... Not Me! I was determined to do brunch again. No bags or trinkets this time. Whoever showed up was supposed to be there. This Forever Daddy’s Girl mission is so much bigger than me. It’s a brand but also a platform for healing and restoration. It started with me and I’m okay if it ending with me. I told my best friend if I don’t show up for myself no one will. From that moment I didn’t care about attendance. I won’t put as much details into the events until my influence increases and more ladies are interested but I won’t give up.
Another event I planned and executed with the help of some of the finest event planners of all time was my wedding. I will save this for another post but let’s just say the night ended before it could start. All that planning, money, and guests for the power to go out and not come back on until we packed up…it was then I vowed to never plan another party. Stay tuned to see if I kept my word.
No love loss,
Alicia G.
Comentários