Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Yeah, Like No one Saw This Coming

Several months ago I purchased tickets to a performance of Grease at the Buelle Theater in Denver. The tickets were for October 16th which, several months ago, seemed like a really great night to attend a musical. That is, until last month when The Teenager informed me that her Homecoming dance was, wait for it.... October 16th.

And, I was torn. On the one hand, Grease! With my sister! Plus, a weekend of shopping and dining in restaurants and Girl Talk! On the other hand, my only daughter’s first Homecoming dance, her only first Homecoming dance. What to do, what to do?

The Teenager was great about the whole thing, while disappointed that I wouldn’t be here to help her get dressed for the dance, she defended my planned absence by stating that I , and I am quoting here, don’t get out that much. She thought I deserved to have a Girl’s Night with my sister.

Still, when we were picking out her dress for the dance, I couldn’t help but sense her disappointment at the thought of me not seeing her at the Big Reveal.  I was resolute, however, and; I assured my sister, my parents, Hugh, my friends, and random employees at the bank I frequent that I was just fine with missing The Teenager’s first Homecoming. After all, there would be other dances and, as The Teenager grew fond of saying, it wasn’t like she was going with a boy, having opted out of several invitations in favor of attending the dance with a group of friends.

Yes, that was my stance and, I went about planning my trip to Denver while everyone else I knew, including random employees at the bank I frequent, went about waiting for the guilt to eat away at my heart which, it did, accomplishing a decent sized hole right around eight o’clock last night. While I was at book club.

So, on the way home, I called my sister to break the news that I would not be attending the play after all. And, because she is also a mother, she understood because, really; the fact that I am a mother was the only real factor in making this decision.

I am a mother.

 I have responsibilities that sometimes include setting aside plans that I have made for the benefit of my children. And, while some might think I am making a sacrifice by doing so, between you and me? Being able to watch my daughter experience the only first Homecoming dance that she will ever experience is a privilege.

And, I have a pretty good idea that Sandy and Danny will cha-cha their way back to Denver at some point in my lifetime but; a second chance at witnessing one of my children's first experiences? No gonna happen. And, not something that I care to miss, not for all the Pink Ladies in the world.

It is interesting to note however, that every person in my life knew that about me before I did.

2 comments:

  1. You're such a great mother!

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  2. Oh, I'm with you on this one... you'll never get it back! I wouldn't miss it for the world! And you know you sooooo have to post pictures!!!

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