By Shelley Bennett
If Motherhood was like the Girl Scouts and you received badges for different challenges and tasks, I would have earned my “Prom Dress Shopping” badge last week. I am already a two-time holder of “Tuxedo Measuring” and “Corsage Ordering”, so I was proud to see prom from the other side.
When Sofia told me she was going to the Winter Prom and needed a dress, I instantly thought of my Junior Prom in 1987. My dress was dark blue, almost purple, tea-length satin with lace accents and my date was a guy that some people now refer to as “Your Honor.”
Then I thought, we need to go dress shopping.
We hit Macy’s last weekend along with many other prom-bound shoppers and I was instantly drawn to the sparkly dresses. Sofia chose a plain, medium-colored blue dress that I tried to like. I really tried to smile and say “that’s cute.” I really did.
She chose a couple more; a coral two-piece number and sparkly silver dress, while I added a full-length sequined hot pink, sparkly Kelly green with a slit, and a gold lame that looked cute on the hanger.
Sof went off into the dressing room and gamely tried on dress after dress, reporting back to me in each one. She looked amazing. Grown-up and sophisticated and amazing.
I swallowed back the tears and wondered what happened to my little girl in her Gymboree outfits? One day she’s wearing embroidered jeans and a cardigan sweater with cherries on it and the next it’s an evening gown.
The sequined pink was the winner. We picked some rhinestone-encrusted sandals, a delicate gold necklace, and a jeweled bracelet to finish the ensemble within an hour.
As an English teacher, I’ve heard about the “right-of-passage” story. Usually, it’s about a young protagonist who goes through a defining moment to reach adulthood. I just realized that there is a “right-of-passage” story for moms too. It definitely includes a chapter on shopping for prom dresses.
The Lassen High Class of 2023 is hosting the Moonlight Masquerade-themed prom this weekend at the Susanville Elk’s Lodge, 8:30-11:30. Get your tickets now at the ASB counter, they are $20 each or $35 for a couple.
Remember when news was ‘newsy’? When you read about weddings, family events and engagement announcements in the newspaper? If you have something that might be newsworthy, please submit it to [email protected] and I’ll do my best to include it here in “The Good Stuff.”
