I am living my own version of Netflix’s “Seven Days Out” mini-series. If you haven’t seen this show, each episode is a documentary and witness to the excitement and drama in the seven days leading up to a major world event in sports, fashion, space, food, etc.; such as the Westminster Abby Dog Show, The Kentucky Derby, NASA’s Cassini Mission, or Eleven Madison Park Restaurant.
FOD is Seven Days Out from DID23
The Friends of Dreamland are homing into the last days of preparation for our annual fundraiser, Dancing into Dreamland. Like the events mentioned above, our planning begins a year in advance with Richard Davis, our volunteer dancer wrangler, who is brainstorming and recruiting for next year’s dance competition.
As with all things, there are unforeseen happenings. For us, it was the unexpected rash of strep throat that swept through our team like a fire storm. Each workday of this week there has been another person phoning in absent and going to the doctor for the much-coveted, miracle cure z-pack.
For me, in the seven days out to Dancing Into Dreamland, I begin questioning my sanity. Why, why, why can’t I have a simple fundraiser where you buy a ticket, bid on some auction items, sip some wine, and visit with friends? Oh, no; this event is all of that plus a cast of rehearsals and performances.
To manage all the moving parts, I keep a note pad by the bed for those sudden, jolting, wake-up-in-the-middle-of-the-night thoughts. I reach for my pen and scribble the needling forget-me-nots, then fall back asleep.
Culmination and Euphoria
With the event nearing, a calm has come over me. My senses are heightened. I feel alive. From experience, I understand there may be some little things that go awry, but the big picture is perfect, and acceptance sets in. It is time to enjoy the process, the people, the place, and the event.
This Saturday, as always, I will be astonished and, in some motherly way, proud of the dancers, who have practiced their hearts out, brought their A-game, and exposed their strength and vulnerability for all of us to see and enjoy.
For the Seven Days After, I will be left full of Euphoria and gratitude.
