It’s promenade season once more….and I’ve come to the belief that the sport has really modified,
That is the time of yr when sequins shimmer brighter than desires, and the group chats are flooded with every thing from nail inspo to get together bus bookings. However someplace between the prom-posals with fireworks and the customized fits lined with anime artwork, I discovered myself whispering the identical prayer again and again: Lord… when did promenade flip into the Met Gala?
Now don’t get me improper—I really like a very good celebration. I really like seeing our youngsters shine, entering into maturity with confidence and an entire lot of cologne. However whew! This era has turned promenade right into a full-blown manufacturing. We’re speaking helicopter arrivals, skilled stylists, personal photographers and weekends at a Galveston seashore home. I noticed one child get out of a luxurious automobile holding a reside python. A python.
Again in my day—the late ’80s glory days—promenade was nonetheless particular, nevertheless it wasn’t a film premiere. We rolled as much as Al’s Formal Put on, grabbed a fundamental tux or a lacy tea-length gown, possibly spritzed on some Cool Water cologne. Then we’d head over to Transco Towers (you recognize the one with the waterfall) for our pictures, posing like we have been about to be in Jet journal.
And you recognize what? It was magical.
We didn’t want drone footage or designers flown in from Atlanta. We had mothers with sizzling glue weapons, and cousins who may do a imply French roll. We didn’t have promenade “capsules” on Instagram or outfits impressed by Pinterest. We had photograph albums from Walgreens and reminiscences that also make us smile.
However right here’s the factor: We created these extravagant teenagers.
We actually have.
We have been those who wished “extra” for our infants. We wished them to have what we didn’t. So we added a bit sparkle right here, a bit additional there. All of the sudden, a pleasant gown wasn’t sufficient—it needed to be customized, couture and ideally coated in Swarovski crystals. And promposals? Please. In case your youngster isn’t popping the query with a marching band and a banner over I-45, are they even attempting?
So sure, I’m scripting this because the very mom attempting to ebook a last-minute limo, calling round to see if Auntie Cheryl can sew sequins onto a tuxedo jacket whereas I Google “find out how to make a corsage from scratch.” I’m within the trenches with you. Totally invested. Barely harassed. Extraordinarily proud.
As a result of once I actually give it some thought, these youngsters are doing what we at all times prayed they’d do: dare to be daring, inventive, expressive and joyful. Their model of promenade would possibly look totally different from ours, nevertheless it’s nonetheless that one unforgettable night time the place Black excellence will get dressed up and dances like no one’s watching.
So go forward, infants. Hire the yacht. Put on the LED-lit gown. Simply be sure to nonetheless cease by Transco Towers for that photograph.
We’ll be within the parking zone, crying and clutching our purses.
Signed,A proud mama with rhinestones in her automobile seat and a $300 floral invoice on her CashApp.
