We planned a trip to Hawaii a couple of years ago to celebrate some major life accomplishments: our 30th wedding anniversary, my daughter earning her Bachelor's degree, and my son/third child graduating high school.
My daughter couldn't make it due to work. The day after graduation she moved to Pennsylvania to take on a camp director role that she was hired for back in January. Summer camp is in full swing and she just couldn't get away.
But we are celebrating anyways! Over the years what I've learned is that celebrations are important, and sometimes need to happen every if someone can't make it. My daughter is a case in point, but my father is another one to think about. He passed away back in April, and while he couldn't have made the trip due to his illness and can't celebrate with us now we are still celebrating.
So many times I've allowed a celebration to be derailed by not being into it, not wanting the hassle, thinking that it wasn't appropriate. Oh, I'm sad that I missed those opportunities to celebrate!
So when you get a chance to celebrate something make the effort. It brings joy to you and those around you, and hopefully your world a better place as it does for me.