Baby Girl Goes To The Prom
So last night was our baby girl’s first Prom. She is a Junior so she will have another one next year too. It was bittersweet and I cried…a little…as they drove away. My baby girl….growing up…..
I worry about her a lot. How difficult this must all be. For those that don’t know, I am Rachel’s step mom. Her biological mother died of cancer in 2003. Yes, cancer. Really, her only memories of her mother are of her being sick and visiting her in a nursing home. She had to be placed in that nursing home for almost 2 years before she died, so Rachel really doesn’t have a lot of memories of her at home and healthy.
I can’t even imagine how frightened she must be, at the prospect of being orphaned at 18. Wondering if her daddy is going to be around to walk her down the aisle when she marries or to play with her children. Her father’s diagnosis with cancer is basically her worst nightmare come true…..something we both share, unfortunately. Their bond, especially during her mother’s illness, is unbreakable. He really did a wonderful job caring for her during that difficult time in their lives. He was essentially a single daddy when we reunited and I was blessed with the daughter I always longed for.
She has handled every bit of bad news much better than we ever expected. I suspect she is somewhat in denial…like we all are….at the seriousness of Paul’s diagnosis. We are always completely open and honest with both kids, keeping them informed and answering all questions along the way. They have followed the lead of their dad….plugging away….never giving up….no doom and gloom….because that is the example he sets.
So our lives go on, working, playing and just dealing with this hand we have been dealt. And we continue to celebrate every special moment, like Prom, surrounded by family and close friends….so that we may cherish them no matter where this road takes us……