daddy/daughter dance

I have some catching up to do on the blog, but I wanted to write tonight while my feelings and emotions are raw...

About a month ago we received an email about the daddy/daughter dance tonight.  Jason attached the flyer and forwarded it to me saying, "I have to work."  I frowned and moved on.  I didn't think much about it until the other day.  I had an "a-ha" moment and asked Jason if we could ask his dad so Lexi wouldn't miss out on the ball.  Jason called Kevin the next day and I received a text from Jason right after saying, "My dad would be happy to take Lexi."  I was delighted and Lexi was on cloud 9 when I told her Paw Paw wanted to take her to the ball (side note...we didn't tell Lexi about the ball because we didn't think she was going to be able to attend since Jason was out of town).

The next day Jason left work early and met us at the mall for a little ball dress shopping.  Lexi danced around the dressing room in about 8 different dresses before deciding on "the one."  We went to dinner after the mall and that night Jason expressed to me how sad he was about not being able to take Lexi to the ball.  I was sad for him, but so grateful for Paw Paw.

And now let's fast forward to the BIG DAY!!

Well, let's back up to last night...

Last night Lexi slept in our bed because Jason is out of town.  We went to bed at the same time.  A few minutes after being in bed Lexi got out of bed, went into the living room and came back with a picture of Mimi and Paw Paw and put it on the nightstand next to her.  She said, "I can't believe Paw Paw is taking me to the ball!!  I can't wait!!!"

Melt. My. Heart.

Ok, the BIG DAY!!  Lexi needed a haircut so I made an appointment at Sweet and Sassy this morning.  She got a trim and a fancy braid.  She was all dolled up and could not wait until 6:00 PM!  It was a long day of waiting, but totally worth the wait...

Lexi was looking out the windows beginning around 4 PM.  :)

The clock hit 6 and Paw Paw was getting out of his car.  Lexi was looking through the window and screamed, "Paw Paw is here and he has a big red teddy bear!!!"  Paw Paw rang the door bell, Lexi answered with a sweet, shy smile.  Paw Paw handed her the teddy bear and corsage and Lexi immediately handed him the boutonniere she picked out for him today.  Their exchange was priceless.  It was magical.  Actually, it was breathtaking.  I knew they adored each other, but I guess I really didn't know how much until tonight.

Before I knew it our daughter was walking to a car with a man taking her to her first dance.  I waved and blew a kiss.

Be still my heart.

Kevin sent me, Jason, and Mimi text messages throughout the night.  Lexi said it was "the best ball ever" and wishes she could do it everyday.

I picked Lexi up tonight at the school after the dance.  Lexi and Paw Paw said they had a blast.  Lexi told me every single detail on the way home.  I had a smile on my face and a tear in my eye.  I didn't have a dad who would have been heartbroken about being out of town on the night of the daddy/daughter dance.  Honestly, I didn't have a dad who would have taken me if he was able.  Lexi has a dad who died a little inside today because he couldn't be there.  Lexi is also blessed with an incredible man in her life who raised her dad.  I couldn't be more grateful for the men in Lexi's life.  I pray Lexi marries a man who is half the man who took our sweets to her first dance.