It began with the announcement from my older son that he was re-marrying. This event, which would mark his rebirth, would take place just outside New York City and within two weeks! We combined the trip from Toronto with a drop-in surprise at my son-in-law's 40th birthday party. It was a memorable weekend.
At the wedding, I abandoned all restraint and got caught up in the feverish dancing. I was determined to celebrate the fact of Richard's transformation into happiness, and I was thrilled that so many other family and friends felt the same about him and his new bride.
As a long-time migraine sufferer, I have a very good idea of my triggers. One of them is avoiding extremes of emotion. (Another is being on an airplane.) At some level, I was aware of these risks when I 'let go' at the wedding. I didn't indulge in forbidden foods or liquor - I did make a deliberate choice, a very human choice, at this life-changing event.
And later in that week, back home, I suffered the consequences. My head and my body had to re-adjust. I accepted the three-day migraine -- it was the quid pro quo for a transcendent evening.
This past weekend there was another celebration - my niece's batmitzvah. The culminating event was a kids' party at a venue featuring loud music and other noises. I wanted to be there to honor her and to be with family members who I don't see often enough. I enjoyed being with them, plus the speeches, plus witnessing the growth of teenagers and young adults who were once babies and children.
I knew the noise would resound with me later on, and sure enough today I had another migraine. I wish that I could enjoy weddings and similar events as much as others, but my noise sensitivity is too great.
This month my headache frequency has been greater than normal, but I made my choices beforehand, and I am at peace with them. Now it is time to re-cultivate that sense of calmness that is my true source of strength.