Skip to main content

It was an honor

Alondra (Notice the cakes in the heart behind her

When a teacher develops relationships with students, opportunities to be witness important events in students’ lives come along. I was there four years ago when Jordan Kippur became a man according to Jewish Law. And last night, I was there to celebrate Alondra Peralta turning 15 and making the transition from child to woman according to Mexican tradition. I feel honored to have been invited to both of these special events. Unfortunately, I missed Alondra’s mass, but I was there for the celebration with food and dance.
Celia, Alondra, Me, Daisy
Walking in, I had no idea what to expect as this was the first quinceanera. When Patti and I walked in, there were not many people there yet. We didn’t recognize anyone. And then the princess appeared followed by her ladies in waiting. The three girls transformed from the 8th graders I saw in the halls all year. I was welcomed with hugs. We took pictures and chatted for a bit before Patti and I found a table. Within no time, we were being served dinner. I am not sure what it was, but it was DELICIOUS! Even though Alondra was the princess, she was a gracious hostess who wanted to be sure I wanted for nothing. I asked her what happened during the celebration. “It’s like a wedding reception except I don’t have a groom.”
One of the dances.
Slowly the dance hall began to fill up. Children ran and played as they waited for the dancing. Some of the brave ones took a quick taste of the icing on the cakes. And then it was time for the dancing. Alondra, Celia, Daisy, and her other ladies in waiting had been practicing the dances for the last six months. Even though I didn’t understand any of the introductions or explanations of the dance (should have paid better attention in Spanish class), the language of dance came through loud and clear. It was beautiful. What an honor to be a part of such an important day in Alondra’s life! 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Aging sucks.....or does it?

Upon first thought, watching a parent age sucks. Unnoticeable at first. A bit of a stoop, some creaking in the knees, whitening of the hair. The doctor’s visits begin, as do the pills One for high blood pressure, another to thin the blood, and a handful of vitamins to top it off. The signs are there, but it is easier to see him as he has always been. My father, a pillar of strength. Until my pillar was knocked off-kilter. A simple surgery and the mortality of my father looked me square in the eye when the drugs took hold of his brain. Amidst his fidgeting and confusion, I realized…AGING SUCKS! And then….enlightenment dawned upon me….AGING IS BEAUTIFUL Wrinkles tell of smiles while silver hair speaks a life of memories. Knees creaky after years of kneeling in prayer, offering up a lap, and climbing up the stairs for one more kiss goodnight. Almost forty-eight years of memories nestled in my heart. Memories of my father. Taking us to church each Sunday Building and fixing ...
2 comments
Read more

The Hardest One Yet

 From the time I began this blog, I made the conscious choice that I would be honest and open in the moment – whatever is going on. For the most part, I have done that.  After struggling about whether to write about this particular challenge (let alone share it), I chose to do the uncomfortable and do both – write and share. “Your certification has not even been processed yet. Probably won’t happen until at least the middle of January.”  I took a deep breath as I heard those words a couple weeks ago and I realized what that meant. Christmas would look very different than originally planned. The retroactive pay that Santa was counting on to make the holiday something special for our family would not be coming. I took a deep breath as I hung up the phone and walked out of my classroom, despair bombarding the hope and excitement of the upcoming holiday. A tornado of thoughts began whirling in my head as I walked to the guidance office. Playing with our budget in my ...
7 comments
Read more

Letting Go

While in Pueblo you were parents of my students, but more importantly, my friends. After all, McClelland is a family. We talked, joked, and confided in each other like sisters do. I left for summer looking forward to the change I would find upon my return. That year instead of excitement, the new school year brought chastisement, accusations, and allegations with no chance to speak. People I thought of as friends chased away my exhilaration. I put a smile on my face, determination in my stride, and met the school year head on - complete with demeaning, inept, and judgmental challenges that came my way. My team one of strength, bravery and courage holding me up with each new blow. As the fall turned into winter, I overcame distrust and welcomed you in again. Smiles, laughter, and honesty filled the year. When it was time for me to move on, you sent me on my way with warm wishes and promises to keep in touch. I said goodbye and began my new adventure. Whispers of your relief abou...
3 comments
Read more