Senior Prom

As she glided down the stairs to meet the awaiting Prince Charming

I saw eighteen years pass in a flash before my eyes.

Gone was the little girl watching Barney the Dinosaur and using the show to measure time.

Replaced, in bittersweet reality, by a beautiful, golden-tanned member of the prom court.

What happened to the 3rd grader who stuffed homework in her desk until it over-flowed?

The giggling girl who wanted oatmeal and called it "al-pee-no"

She's pinning a white orchid on her special man, ready for a night of laughter and slow dances

In a gorgeous blue gown, with fancy new heels and perfected hair and make-up.

Pictures are taken,......and taken,....and taken,...as if these precious memories could ever

be in danger of fading away into a fog of no remembering.

Each smile must be caught. Each look preserved. Each friend recaptured on a camera

that will serve as a tiny porthole into never forgetting the night.

Mommy presented a special touch, as fresh strawberries and sparkling juice in wine glasses

served as couture embellishments to the two-hour getting ready processional.

Daddy kept dropping by to watch the lady becoming a princess, then ducked out to avoid

being a distraction to a series of moments best shared by the ladies of the house.

And then they were off to Senior Prom. To memories that will be all her own.

I used to be a bigger part of those moments, but my role as caretaker became provider.

Provider became advocate. Advocate become disconnected father looking for ways to talk.

And finally assuming my role of friend, advisor, and shoulder that will always be there.

The shoulder of a father that will always long to stay close to his little girls.