Daddy Daughter Dance

When I was in maybe 3rd grade, my church had a daddy daughter camp out. My dad was not able to go with me. He was laid off his job at the dairy farm we lived on and had to move to New Mexico to work on power lines with my uncle. While he was gone, our family stayed in Star Valley until school was through. I really wanted to go to this camp out, but I "didn't have a dad" to take me. So my uncle who was in high school was my "daddy" and I got to go.

Last night I was open shop for updos and making pretty. I had two girls at my house, and 3 more to come later when there was a knock at the door. My neighbor Halee came in. She explained that her dad (who isn't very active in her life) was gone on a truck driving route and was unable to take her to the daddy daughter dance. She asked if Derek would like to take her.

I thought to myself...he would never go for that...so I tried to think up a good excuse for him. But I just couldn't. So I told her I would ask and see what he said. After an extensive texting session, with all the details out on the table, he agreed to go.
I have never loved him more! I was "that girl" with no dad to be my escort, so I knew how much it meant to Halee that he did it.

I attempted to start dinner during the 5th updo...burnt the hamburger to pieces. So I finished making pretty all these tween girls and Derek cleaned up very nicely himself. I decided it would be fun just to take Halee out to eat (not something she gets to enjoy often) and I let her pick where we went. We didn't have much time so it had to be fast food. Do you know how big the smile on her face was when she got to pick McDonalds? We were getting ready to go when I noticed she was wearing some VERY not so gently worn tennis shoes. I asked her if that was what she was wearing...yes. So I took her to my closet and pulled out my pretty pink shoes I wore to the senior prom:) Ha! Yes they were about 3 sizes too big for this 10 year old:) But she insisted they would work:) (big smiles) They got pictures and saw Miss Missouri and a few other pretty girls wearing tiaras and all the girls danced the night away. It was a great time! Except for the part where Halee was learning how to walk in heals and fell down the stairs. Ouch! Big raspberry if you can imagine. Poor girl. But she had a great time. She was all smiles when they got home.

My heart is so full! Derek is such an amazing man. He very easily could have said no. I expected he would. But he didn't. He made a wonderful night for a girl with less than ideal living circumstances, in a broken home, looking for love. When my dad was gone, I was thrilled when my uncle took me. I had a home and a family who loved me. I can't imagine how happy Halee felt.

While I have a testimony of service and the joy it brings, I am still amazed every time at how good I feel when I serve with love , or see service lovingly given. I know that Halee was loving it, but I am sure I loved it more. Last night I witnessed a pure Christ-like love. And I loved it!