I have a party dress that I’ve worn to a few weddings
in the past year. I love this dress and
something magical happens when I wear it.
I feel free and liberated momentarily from my ankylosing
spondylitis. However, in this liberation,
there is always a price to be paid.
Matt’s
Wedding:
The first time I wore my dress was to my nephew’s
wedding in Florida. This was the first
time in a long time that our family was gathered to celebrate a happy
event. From 2012-2015, we watched the
decline and passing of our parents which was heartbreaking, exhausting and took
a toll on all of us.
The wedding was in Orlando, Fl at the Hilton Bonnet
Creek. It was a lovely resort and
convenient to have the ceremony and reception in one location. We were all enjoying the relaxing venue and
the beautiful ceremony. When it came
time for the reception and dancing, a family dance circle came about inspired
by the upbeat music. All family members
went into the circle, busting out their best dance moves including me. It fun, light-hearted and much needed after our
difficult times. I danced the night away
as best I could, knowing the next day I would feel the actions of the previous
night. Before bed, I took some medicine
knowing how I would feel when I woke up the next day. And sure enough, the next few days I was
feeling the effects of my “dance moves.”
However, the joy and connection I felt with my family that evening was
definitely worth the pain and stiffness that developed.
Melissa and
Cat’s Wedding:
We just returned from Pittsburgh to celebrate the marriage
of Melissa and Cat. When I received the
“Save the Date,” I knew which dress I would be wearing…My Party Dress! I thought it would be appropriate for this
lovely fall wedding. Once again, the
event was magical. The ceremony and
reception took place at the Phipps Conservatory. There was so much joy and happiness
throughout the evening! Both my
daughters were in the wedding party, so it was a great time to see them again,
too!
After the delicious dinner, the dance music started
up. My daughter grabbed me and brought
me to the dance floor. I danced as best
I could being that I have ankylosing spondylitis. I felt pretty stiff when dancing so I’m sure
my moves weren’t the greatest. But, I somehow felt transformed to my inner
1980’s party girl! The evening felt
energetic and magical. The voice of
reason..aka…my husband was cautioning me to take it easy knowing I would
probably spend the next few days with fatigue and pain. At the time, all I could think was, “Stop
killin’ my vibe!” However, I knew he was
right, but I kept on dancing. Our
daughters are grown, living their own, independent lives. We are so proud of
their accomplishments, but we do miss them.
I just wanted to enjoy the moment being with my wonderful
daughters.
My husband was right.
I had a hard time walking to the car after the reception because I felt
pain, and stiffness. And, I felt tired,
in pain and stiffness for the next few days.
But, being in pain after this fun event was so worth it to me. I cherish the times I spend with my family
and I gladly endure the pain and fatigue because we’re making memories. That’s what is most important to me.
My party dress has been cleaned and is hanging in my
closet for my next special event. I’m
sure it’s magical powers will lure me into breaking into dance once again and
leave me in pain after the event. #noregrets
