Max

When I was a senior, back in 1988, my high school had their first Odd Couple's Ball.  Daughters took fathers.  Sons took mothers.  I didn't go.  Max started at that same high school in the Fall of 2010.  Dancing, loud music, and social frivolity in general are not Max's thing at all.  The first year, I said, "That's cool," and volunteered to serve at the dinner.  Last year, I begged before the dance.  When that didn't work, I laid  on a guilt trip after.  You know, laying the ground work for this year.  It's taken three years, but he FINALLY took me to the ball!  This year's theme was Rock 'n' Roll.  People dress in the costume to match the theme or they dress formal. 

Max was an awesome date.  Sure, I had to pay for my own ticket, but he only rolled his eyes 2 of the 3 times I made him change clothes.  He was an absolute sport about taking pictures at the photo booths.  The dinner was pasta, which is his least favorite food, but he didn't complain.  Best of all, he actually came out on the dance floor and danced with me.  I even have video taken by a friend as proof.  Or for future blackmail.  You know, I try to keep my options open.  We ended the evening by getting milkshakes at Steak 'n' Shake.  I shared that I was once madly in love with a guy until I realized he laughed like Bevis from Bevis and Butthead.  He shared that if a girl were hot enough, he wouldn't care that she laughed like Bevis or Butthead.  You just don't get those deep mother/son moments every day. 

All kidding aside, the little boy peaking out from under the hat in the picture on the wall behind us, is turning into a very sweet young man.  When I look back on my life and what I value most in this world, nights like tonight are what I will count among my treasures.