Prom Date

As most of you know, I try to tell stories about my life as best I can, but I'm so so behind. So, let me shoot you a quick story from last month before the memory fades...

It's prom season. And Facebook is suddenly littered with pictures of high schoolers in tuxedos and pretty dresses. I could post the same. I have the standard group prom shots in my camera roll. But I'm weird. And I'm choosing to share this one lone picture. Here's the story:

This year, McKenna's prom was located in Anaheim, directly across the street from Downtown Disney. On the drive down, I casually mentioned to the girls that Downtown Disney was literally across the street, and that it might be fun for them to walk over in full Prom Regalia. McKenna immediately latches onto the idea saying, "Yup. Great idea! We'll probably do that!"

So, in my mind, if the prom ends at 11, and the girls enjoy an hour or so of Disney Magic, I can now expect to get a text for pick-up around midnight. But that's not what happens...

It's 10:30 PM when my phone buzzes. It's McKenna. "Pick me up" she says. "I want to beat the rush outta here."

This is not a good sign. She wants to leave prom early.

"You're not going over to Downtown Disney with friends?" I ask gently.

"Yeah, we are!"

I am now confused, "OK. I anticipated picking you up at midnight after y'all were done Disney-ing."

"WHY??? Are you not coming with us???" McKenna exclaimed over text.

Silence from the confused dad.

"Well? Are you coming???" McKenna pressed.

"Yup, I'm on the way. Be right there." I stuttered without truly realizing what was happening...

Let me better explain the situation: Once I mentioned the idea of Downtown Disney, McKenna automatically assumed that I would be accompanying them. That I would of course be included in tonight's activity. As if walking around Downtown Disney with your dad on Prom Night was completely normal teenage daughter behavior.

I mean... This was McKenna's first high school prom experience. And on a night to make lifetime memories, my daughter CHOSE to spend her evening walking the promenade in a glittering prom dress next to dear old dad in a random t-shirt? My mind simply boggles...

I guess today is Father's Day. And I didn't mean this post to be a Father's Day post really. But as I reflect on my kids and McKenna specifically, my Father's Day Gift has already been received. For McKenna to see me equally as a friend, as well as a father, is absolutely enough for me. I actually never went to prom back in high school, and I never had any memories of my own to look back upon. But now, thanks to my daughter, I have enduring magical memories of prom... Thank You McKenna. 🥰