Yes, you read that correctly. Just days away from my “fortyish” birthday I’m
headed to prom. Growing up and attending
First Baptist Academy we didn’t have prom.
My first prom was actually on my 30th birthday. All of the coaches and wives dressed up, went
to dinner and then went to prom. When we
got there the football boys sang happy birthday to me. It was one of my favorite coaching and
birthday memories.
Every year since then, we have attended prom. I love it!
It’s so much fun to see all of the boys dressed up with their beautiful
dates on their arms. There are some I
have to do a double take to recognize them. I’m used to seeing them all hot and
sweaty and sporting a number on their chest.
On prom night, they are clean, showered, shaved and looking like young
men. Watching the boys introduce their
dates to me and to coach always makes me smile. It’s fun to see the girls in
their dresses and to see what fashion flair the boys try to add to their tuxes. It's fun to stand at the entrance with a couple of the other wives and watch the fashion show as they parade in.
Without fail on the night of prom someone always says “I can’t
believe y’all are here.” My coach and I always respond, “Why not? We love coming to prom!” We think it’s important for the kids to see
us outside of the gym or the field. We want them to know that we are there to
be a part of their whole life, not just the athletic part of their life. It’s fun to be able to share memorable
moments with them. By this point in the
year, we’ve said goodbye to them on the football field and on prom night we
begin saying goodbye to them as seniors.
It’s the first official event of the graduation season. For that reason, I love it and I hate it all
at the same moment, but more on that another day.
One of my favorite moments each year is when I finally coheres
my coach onto the dance floor. We get
out there with the kids and dance a little.
They all laugh and make a few comments about coach and his moves and he
laughs along. I don’t know why, but they
are always surprised that he’s a pretty good dancer. It’s good for them to see
him let loose a little and that there’s more to him behind that whistle and big
voice. He’s actually a lot of fun and can have a good time. I think he’s a
great date and by far the cutest guy there.
So I’m off to get my nails done and make sure my little
black dress is ready to go. I’ll see you
on the dance floor!
Cheering you on!
Laurel
Laurel
