The things we do for love

Every parent knows how much paperwork comes home in their child’s backpack each day.  A few weeks ago I was weeding through Sophia’s pile and came across a flyer for the annual Daddy Daughter Dance in her school district.  She immediately whipped it out of my hands and said, “Mom, I really want to go to this.”  As I read the flyer my husband, John, glanced over my shoulder and chuckled.  I don’t think either of us thought she was serious.  I mean, she’s only five years old, how does she even know what a school dance is?  Apparently the fancy clip-art of the high heels and hearts on the flyer were enough to make her think this was an event not to be missed.

At first my husband rolled his eyes at the idea.  I mean, what dad really wants to go make small-talk in a school gym with a bunch of other dads wearing suits and crazy valentine’s ties?  But, the more Sophia talked about it, the more John realized that it was important to her.  So, we told her if she worked hard at school and on her homework she could go.

Well, the incentive worked because she not only suckered us for the dance, but a new dress, jewelry and the whole nine yards.  After weeks of asking if today was the big day, the Daddy Daughter Dance finally rolled around.  As the two of them were getting ready for the big night I overheard John and Sophia’s conversation.

John – “Are you excited to go to the dance tonight?”
Sophia – “Yeah”
John – “I’m really excited that I get to be your date for your first school dance.”
Sophia – “Yeah, me too.”
John – “In a few years you won’t think it’s cool to hang with your dad anymore and you’ll want to go with a boy.”
Sophia – “Dad, gross.”
John – “I’m just going to enjoy this while I still can.”

At the end of the night the two of them came home with a sugar high from the valentine’s treats and sore feet from dancing the night away.  What they also came home with were some special memories that I don’t think either of them will forget.  As Sophia headed up to bed that night, John gave her a big hug and I heard him say, “I had a really good time tonight honey.”  Sophia responded “me too dad.”

These are the special moments that warm my heart.  This weekend we’re celebrating the things we love in our show Where You Live!  Make sure to tune in as we talk with kids and families around West Michigan about the things special to them.  Watch Friday at 7pm on WXSP, Saturday at 7:30am & 7:30pm on WOTV and Saturday at 6:30pm on WOOD TV.