Memories of my first and only prom swept over me last week as I shopped for accessories required for Hope's first prom. My mom made my dress and I still have it in the closet. I loved the fabric, it was colorful and fun! I wore my hair down and carried a bouquet. My date and I matched, this was the '70's and such a magical time. Back then, we had Senior Prom. No Junior/Senior Prom. No prom for the sake of prom. One prom, your Senior year unless, of course, you had a date to every other HS in town.
I have 3 older daughters and they each have their prom experiences of riding in a limo, dining at a fine restaurant, dancing the night way and coming home at 10 am the next morning! I knew with Hope, that we had a window of opportunity to make this the best Prom ever! Hope does not last long in any social situation. If she had the prom of her sisters, she would have been DONE after the limo ride. She can only handle one experience at a time.
Hope's Prom was for Special Kids.
With Hope's wardrobe, I knew that I would have to go for comfort. First up was the
shoes! Sparkly and high top with pink shoe laces. She wore them
every night after school so I knew it was a winner. Her dress was black
lace, stretchy and comfy! I didn't let her see the other accessories until
we were ready to go to the prom.
We took pictures at home and she was excited.
The prom began at 7 pm. We arrived at 6:55.
Hope danced to the songs she loved and hugged on all of her friends. She didn't hang close to me and I was able to enjoy a conversation with the other mom's. One mom, who's son LOVES girls, told me that she HAD to stay close by her son or else he would pat all the girls butts. HA I guess she had to be the Butt Police! Another mom cried all night at home because her daughter was so beautiful and grown up, her daughter took her grandpa to the dance. Some of the kids had dates. One couple got engaged at the dance. Another friend claimed the dance as her birthday party! Lucky! Our kids are special.
The prom ended at 9pm.
But we weren't there to see everyone get crowned king and queen.
At 7:45, Hope was done. She danced, had a snack and was done. DONE DONE DONE! As she headed toward the door to leave (without telling me) I caught her and asked if she wanted to dance with me. She said, " I need to get out of here!" Ok then...I convinced her to say goodbye to her friends and dance teacher before we made our exit.
She did it! She went to a prom. She stayed 45 minutes.
I have had all weekend to reflect on this night.
Reflection:
As I drove home from the Prom with Hope at my side, I had mixed emotions. The whata, shoulda, coulda kind. My feelings flowed from "YAY, she stayed 45 minutes" to " Why couldn't she hang in there longer?" Is is always an emotional roller coaster for me. That is selfish and I know it.
Every kid there had a parent somewhere, hoping and praying for a great night. There were so many prayers lifted for each and every one present. Prayers for Hope were answered....She went. Period. So why do I always feel defeated? Because I allow myself to feel that way. Eventually, I put my big girl panties on and dealt with the feelings. Hope had fun and it wasn't suppose to be about me!!!!!
Her prom for me was getting all the "stuff". When we got home that evening, she did NOT take off her prom dress, nor did she remove her accessories! She wore them until she went to bed. I could hear her talking to all those imaginary friends, in her room, telling them all about the prom.
I am truly blessed. Sometimes, I just need to reflect on it.
Perfectly beautiful. Thank you for sharing. ❤
ReplyDeleteThanks, Toni!
DeleteThis! This is why I was involved! Stepping in as a birthday party for my girl was just icing on the cake. <3
ReplyDeleteLoved Tess's spunk! She rocked the best birthday, ever!!
DeleteThanks for sharing! You are right ... we all were praying for a great evening! I'm glad Hope had fun in her 45 minutes! Mary W
ReplyDeleteJoe looked like he enjoyed himself!!
DeleteI walked away teary eyed,just from the fact I witnessed innocent joy and from seeing how happy each prom goer was for each other , no judgements on who wore what who danced with who or anything like that.
ReplyDeleteweren't they all just the most precious children in the world! So much love in that room!
DeleteI walked away teary eyed,just from the fact I witnessed innocent joy and from seeing how happy each prom goer was for each other , no judgements on who wore what who danced with who or anything like that.
ReplyDeleteWow Cinda loved this one and might need to read this one again. Sometimes it is hard to remember that it is not about us. Hope I can remember this as I go through life with Andrew. Thanks so much for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteIt is a constant reminder. However, we must take care of ourselves too. This prom was not about me and I had to kick myself back to that reality!
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