The Kindness of the Boy’s Mother

“Always be a little kinder than necessary.”

~ J.M. Barrie

It happens much sooner than you expect.  While some of us think that daughters should not go out with boys until much after college (ha!), somehow the moment comes way before you expect it.  Once your daughter receives her first prom invitation, things move quickly.  There are conversations with the boy’s mother about your daughter’s dress color and flowers (wrist corsage or small bouquet).  And then the day comes and the boy shows up with his parents to pick up your daughter.  This same boy whom you met when he and your daughter were in pre-school seems now all grown up in a suit with a tie that is bright pink to match your daughter’s dress.  And then he hands her the flowers.  After a few clicks of the cameras and smart phones, your daughter is off with the boy and his parents.  And you feel the way you did when you left her at school for the first time.  Your daughter – that little girl -- is growing up way too fast and you just want to cry.  Thankfully, the boy’s mother has two daughters and she knows…  So she sends you text messages and photos.  And although you are counting the minutes until your daughter returns, the boy’s mother has made it all just a little bit less hard.