"Cinderella For a Night"

My wife and I have two sons. We never had a daughter. But we did have the next best thing. We had the friendship of a little girl named Christen. She is the daughter of two of our best friends and she has been special to us since the day she was born. We loved her and she loved us and it has stayed that way through the years.

A few weeks ago we got an invitation to her debut and the ball that followed. We were honored that she had included us in such a special night. The invitation said "black tie" and that for me meant renting a tuxedo. I own a tuxedo but it and I have come to a parting of the ways. It has stayed one size and I have moved on to another.

A few nights ago was the big night. My wife and I got all dressed up and went to the place where the "event" was being held. We presented our invitation and went inside where we were overwhelmed at all the other people who were having a big night out.

We learned our best bet for seeing everything was from the balcony so we quickly made our way there and found front row seats. Shortly the festivities began. Each girl was introduced and then was joined by her father/escort. At this point the young lady made a curtsey to the audience. I know it sounds silly and awkward but it wasn't. It was done with just the right touch.

The couple then walked down some steps where they were joined by two attendants who were usually brothers or uncles of the debutante. In some instances the "grandfathers" took the roles of attendant or escort. This made me think that perhaps my granddaughter Genna might want to do this some day. Hmmh.

When it came time for Christen to be presented she stepped into the spotlight and I almost gasped. She has always been pretty but on this night she was the most beautiful she has ever been. Her blonde hair shone in the spotlight and her white dress was perfect for her. Her smile was genuine and she exuded beauty, warmth and poise. 

I knew her father was about to explode with pride when he joined her and held her arm as she curtsied. The he led her down the steps and she was joined by her two brothers who were also beaming.

When all the girls had been presented they and their fathers danced the first dance which was a waltz. I was amazed to see how graceful they all were as they moved around the dance floor.

After that dance we moved down to the main floor and found Christen and gave her a hug. Then pictures were made. It was so much fun to be there and be a part of this night that obviously meant so much to her.

Now some people might sniff and say such a "ball" is pretentious and snobbish, but I say "Hogwash!" What harm does it do. The backers of the debutantes gave money to charity in the name of those being presented, so that is a good thing. Plus each girl there got to play "Cinderella" for one night in her life.

I don't know if any of the girls met "Prince Charming." Maybe they brought him along. But I do know that our Christen had a beautiful night and one that will live in her memory. Was it something that was necessary for her movement into adulthood? No. It was just one of those niceties that she was able to participate in at this time in her life.

She was the belle of the ball, at least in our view. She is as beautiful inside as she is on the outside and I am glad she shared her night as "Cinderella" with us.

 

 

 

 

 

©2004 Jackie K. Cooper

Click above to find out more about Jackie's books!