Read a story about a group of sisters-in-law who made a conscious effort to include a new sister into the family.

A NEW SISTER-IN-LAW

          The garden porch rested gently next to the big redwood house. Flowers and living greens of all varieties circled the entire space except for the two doors. A Buddha rested solidly in one corner with a lovely gold pendant added to his head. The ceiling held several hanging wrought iron candleholders. Looking out between the flowers one could see the distant lower gardens. White wicker table and chairs added welcoming warmth to the room.
          In the late evening after darkness fell a group of four sisters-in-law and one teenage daughter began to prepare the space for a welcoming ceremony for their new sister/mother to be. As many candles as the women could find replaced the electric lights lending an otherworldly magical quality to the space. The young woman selected gentle Celtic music to caress the ears. The air temperature offered by nature was perfect. The scent of fragrant flowers gently tickled the nose. The scene was set.
          The new sister-in-law entered the almost mystical room wearing her wedding dress. She sat on a stool in the middle of the room and closed her eyes. A small bell announced the opening of the ceremony. One sister quietly reminded the women that they were gathered to welcome Janice to the family. As a group they decided to offer an 'angel wash' to her to send her the energy and love she would need to her new role. The women proceeded in silence to stroke Janice gently with their hands until each person felt they were done. The room felt heated with loving energy and the privilege of gentle touch to the person they loved. When the 'angel wash' was finished one sister asked all the women to think of a short phrase that spoke to their experience at that moment. Each person spoke out loud her phrase and the words were recorded as a poem. One woman read it out loud so all could enjoy and appreciate what they had experienced together, yet from their different perspectives. A few minutes together bonded the women in a special way that none will forget and started their journey as family.

          This inexpensive, short and delicious celebration emerged from an intention of welcoming the new sister-in-law to the family. The sisters-in-law were meeting anyway, so they added this intention to their time together. The group of women explored what they could do for Janice and asked Janice what she might want and would feel right to her. Many ideas were offered: a bachelorette party, going to a nursery and picking out a plant, making a bracelet with a strand from each sister, writing an appreciation letter to Janice from each sister on decorated special paper. The 'angel wash' idea and the group poem were accepted.
The 'angel wash' is a magical giving and receiving of love. The gentle, silent stroking is done with a specific meaning. In this story, welcome to our family and blessings on your new role as wife to our brother were the tender messages conveyed by the group through silence and soft touch.
          Moving into the plan, the group then selected the room, decided to turn off the lights and use candles, find appropriate music, and have Janice wear her wedding dress. Putting the plan into action was quick and easy once the intention was set, the exploration was finished and the final idea accepted.
          The group then needed to let go of the outcome. The offering was made with sincere intention and designed by all of them. Whatever transpired during their time together was just right no matter what happened. This allows hearts to open and move beyond judgment. Each participant could stay in the moment to support and be with Janice in her welcoming celebration.

          If you can remember of a time when your heart was touched in a meaningful way by someone who made a special effort to create a unique celebration, please tell us about it at info@mark-the-moment.com