Totally 80s Auction

From ponytails to fluorescent bands. Neon colors, Pac-Man, and Adidas gear everywhere. Surrounded by music blasting, bodies moving and I Want to Dance with Somebody filling the night sky. Laughter and smells of alcohol on the breaths of friends you just met and those you have known since the beginning of when it all started. Joy, laughter, everyone coming together for one beautiful cause, to raise money for a school, a community that has been our second home for several years. 

Welcome back to the 80s Auction. A bittersweet event. Seeing the many faces that fill the halls of our elementary school. Teachers and staff, past teachers that have grown into beautiful friendships, staff that make it all happen, volunteers bringing families together for a night out after two years. 

There are many things to take in through this experience. Many positive, loving and knowledgeable moments, and a very few not so pleasant but the quick resolve and support helps keep the positive flowing. The genuine love and care from teachers we’ve had can never be put into words just how appreciative we are. 

Little moments of growth between friends, not friends, and then friends again all come together. 

This night here, looking around, all I can do is smile, and maybe quietly shed a few tears because I know this school year is coming to an end. Soon Graduation, Senior week and all the beautiful festivities that follow. 

What a night! What a few years. 

Natural Colors of our Planet

Last Sunday was Isannah’s ballet performance in the city. She performed in Natural Colors of our Planet. 

I was filled with so many emotions that it’s been so hard finding the words to express all that I’m feeling. She has been in many ballet recitals, shows each year. She also performs every year in the Nutcracker. We just watched her perform in the Nutcracker this past year and she blew my mind then. Each year I watch her I can see her growth and love for all that she does. But this performance left me speechless and in awe of her grace. Her arms flowed effortlessly and each movement was so captivating. I felt like I was in a trance just watching her. I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. She looked taller and more agile. As if she was being pulled by a string carrying her through every move. Her hand positions and arms flowed with each movement she took. Her face expressed each move she was embracing. Then that smile. Oh that smile, of pure joy, happiness and belonging. 

The progression in her movements showed her growth. I felt like I was no longer looking for that looking girl on stage. She was one of the big girls. I didn’t want the song to end because it meant the dance was over. 

I watched all the girls as they moved around the stage making their way to their final position. Then I saw her, my beautiful daughter, and I took one deep inhale and held it as long as I could before releasing it as she flew off the stage. 

It was a Mother’s Day I will remember for all my years until my memory fades and then my heart will remember.