I was just there to do a favor; take pictures that the kids would like, with a decent camera. My role was photographer (not even close to professional and not pretending to be) and spectator.
One of the first cars to pull up after my friend and I arrived was my daughter and wow, she looked amazing. She had that perfect dress on and when she smiled at me, I considered how blessed I was to be here, a part of her senior prom. I could watch her from the sidelines, beside myself with emotion that was pushed way down deep, yet ever threatening to bubble to the top and overflow. But, I promised myself there would be no waterworks tonight.
As I watched the young adults begin to arrive, I was amazed at how beautiful and handsome they all looked. Since I’ve known most of them since they were in diapers, my heart lurched for them too. For some, this would be the final big event of their high school career.
They let me take their pictures, ate a wonderful meal and then the dancing began. This was a great group, not the kind you constantly have to worry about and follow around to intercept any mischief. They were content to be together.
Looking around the room casually, careful not to let my eyes linger anywhere long enough to be that nosy parent, the memories overwhelmed me. The sleepovers, the birthday parties, little league games and youth group. Many have been found eating at my table, riding in my car, sharing secrets and dreams.
We complain sometimes because we live in a small town and our kids go to a K-12 school. It’s small so it doesn’t offer as much variety or choice in sports or academics as some schools. Everyone knows each other’s business, so gossip can run rampant.
But, sitting there thinking about these kids and some of the lifelong friendships, I realized that where we fall short in some areas, we far exceed in others. We’re like family; we all come together when it’s needed. They may argue, but when push comes to shove and there is a need, it’s met.
Their futures loom just ahead of them and no one knows what tomorrow holds, but whenever they return home, they will have those of us who welcome them. We will share in their joy of accomplishments and feel sorrow in their losses.
I had been home about an hour when my daughter arrived and we went through the pictures together and discussed the night. She was happy with how things went, so of course, so was I. (and I was glad she was home and off the road early so this mom could get some much needed rest!)
Long walks and dark chocolate 