I ask this question toparents ofteenage children – does the shopping, spending and needing ever end?
Just when I thought my husband and I were home free and that we would have the time to recoup from the arduous Sweet 16 of last September, my daughter dumps the junior prom on us.
Because Bri’s HS no longer has a Junior Prom, largely in part because the Juniors a few years ago were so out of control that the school decided, “Hey, let’s save the agita for senior year” we thought we were safe. Ha.
The other high schools on the island still carry on the tradition. And don’t you know – just like that, Bri is invited toMonsignor Farrell’s Junior Prom.
Now you all know the end of this tale. If there is a prom then there must be a new prom dress.
Forgive my stupidity, but I was not immediately aware of this fact. When the subject came up, I asked my daughter, “Why can’t you use one of the dresses that we bought for those 25 Sweet 16’s you went to last year, after all it’s a different set of people, no eyes have witnessed you in any of those outfits and there are at least 10 languishing in my closet that would be appropriate.”
Her response, “How can you even suggestthat? Those are Sweet 16 dresses, not Prom Wear.” Prom wear – There’s a difference? Did you now, I didn’t?
The party is in June, we have some time, I think. But no the shopping had to be begin now.“After all if we wait there won’t be anything left to wear.” She explains. “Why the rush?” I ask – “Is the dress world coming to an end in May? What cataclysmic event will hinder the manufacture of prom wear?” No answer – just a blank look, an exasperated sigh and a tapping foot impatiently counting out the seconds until we piled into the car to begin the journey. I tried really hard to hold off, but in the end, wearier than Paterson trying to balance the budget, I waved the white flag, got out the shopping shoes and turned the ignition.
I really shouldn’t complain – it only took two full days of trying on before that golden moment when she found the perfect dress with the perfect fit and the perfect look.
Not for nuthin – -but it’s a shame that it wasn’t at a perfectly inexpensive price.JDelBuono@cnglocal.com.
