We get together for special occasions.

Sometimes attendance is expected or required. Weddings and funerals are the big examples. They usually occur at venues.

We gather from the disparate parts of our lives and reassemble.

Sometimes it’s after a long time away and we’re oh so happy to reconnect. Sometimes it’s after a long time apart and we remember why.

Sometimes we don’t recognize each other. “Is that you?”

Sometimes, “You look great!” “You’re doing well…” “Time has been kind…”

Sometimes, “Oh, my God! What happened to you?”

Sometimes we’re categorized. “Friends and family of the bride on this side.” “After the ceremony, you can mix and mingle. Or not.”

During the regular year, occasions are ranked by importance and take place closer to home. Christmas and Thanksgiving are big. New Year’s is an excuse to keep Christmas going. Easter is a chance to celebrate in spring. Independence Day, 4th of July, breaks up the summer.

I’m not very good at sociable. Sometimes I stand around. Sometimes I dive in to make up for it, occasionally become “the life of the party.”

Sometimes I go unnoticed, “Oh, were you there?”