When a Canceled Wedding Turns into a Good Deed
While most of us have not been through it, we can all imagine the nightmare scenario where one party of a wedding couple calls off the wedding. Heartbreak. Chaos. Helping a nonprofit?
Recently, just two weeks before her wedding, a bride-to-be called off her wedding. Of course, first, there is the immense heartache that goes into making that kind of decision. Lifetime plans change in an instant. And in some cases, the contemplation of trust in another human being (and in yourself) becomes suspect.
Most of us would turn inward. Turn off the lights and shut the door. Pull down the blinds. Hide out. And while this bride-to-be might have done that physically, her spirit and her heart did just the opposite.
Because it was so close to the date, the bride and family had gone past the deadlines for refunds. The Country Club had been booked. The food had been paid for. The DJ and music had been set up. Even the fireworks at the reception had been paid for. So, what does a bride-to-be do?
Years before, a nonprofit called Parents Helping Parents had helped her family. The nonprofit supports families with children living with disabilities in various ways. As a result of that relationship, the bride, and her family, called the nonprofit and said why don't you invite people that are connected to you, clients and families, donors, and those who have interest and you enjoy the reception. Make it a party celebrating the amazing work the nonprofit does every day.
Amid immense heartache and life-changing moments, this bride and her family thought of others. How do we help others while working through our misery? It's kind of an amazing story. It's a reminder on many fronts. First, no matter how bad things are, we always have something to share to make someone else's life better. Second, giving doesn't always have to be the tried-and-true cash but can be much greater when your heart is a part of the gift. It's also a reminder for those of us in the nonprofit industry that sometimes the impact we have on others isn't realized until years later and that that impact can have immense power on future decisions and engagement.
While I'm incredibly sorry for the heartache, I'm incredibly grateful to read about and know of this bride and family’s generosity and deep hearts.
