DEACON DAD PUTS THE FATHER-DAUGHTER DANCE ON HIS CALENDAR
- unknown
- Dec 16, 2013
- 3 min read
The most joy-filled times of life involve important events with family. Entire family events as well as those with just a portion of the family have been, through the years, abundant and blessed for us. And the annual Father-Daughter Dance is one of the highlights of our year.
Wonderful Times at Past Dances Makes Anticipating the Next Event Joy-Filled
“The Dance” is something we discuss infrequently but with joyful anticipation. Sponsored by our local homeschool co-op Holy Family TORCH of North Atlanta, this is a well-planned, joyful and virtuous evening held in the parish hall of a local church. We begin with Mass celebrated in the church by one of our holy priests. After Mass we’re treated to a yummy dinner lovingly prepared by some of the moms with sibling brothers serving as hosts and waiters. Of course, another interested adult serves as the “DJ”.
Then comes the dancing (often including a hysterically funny limbo dance contest), the Official Photo, and Dads catching up with one another (just a bit of that, though). Toward the end of the evening the young ladies are presented with a little party gift accompanied by a tender, affirming letter (written ahead of time by Daddy.) We end “not too late” so that Mom can hear about the evening upon our arrival home.
Our Daughter Learns How a Lady Should be Treated by a Gentleman
When we’re at the dance I certainly am reminded to be on my “best behavior”. But what other message does the event teach the “gentleman” during the weeks and months leading up to the dance? The daughter learns through instruction, demonstration, discussion, correction, and discipline. Mostly, she learns how a lady is treated by a gentleman by the way Daddy treats Mommy. Whenever I’m reminded of the Father-Daughter Dance, I remind myself of how I should always treat the woman who happens to be my beautiful wife and her wonderful mother. Love. Respect. Dignity. Humor. Joy. Silly. Trust. Cheer. Candor. Intelligence. Good-will. Love.
The Dance is an Opportunity for Mother-Daughter Bonding
When the theme, date and location was announced for the Dance, “the girls”, that is, mother and daughter immediately reply with great collaborative confidence that they would be working on dress ideas. You see, they want to impress their man, and their efforts always take my breath away. I’m so humbled and honored by the time we go off together.
The Young Men of the Family See the Value of Virtue the Dad is Sometimes Successful at Portraying.
Once upon a time the son said to the father, “You favor her, don’t you?” To which the father replied, “Yes I do…and you should too, young man.” The point here, again, goes far beyond a dance but rather to insist that love and respect are always operative. Jealousy has no place in the home. While I am far from perfect, each of the children should know that I “favor” each of them…meaning, that they know how special they are to their mother and me. Each get their special times (Dad accompanying the sons at Boy Scout Summer Camp, college tours, sporting events, one-on-one breakfasts, and so on.) Their mother and I care so deeply for their souls and want more than anything else for their holiness…and so we pray…
Meanwhile, Daddy and Daughter Look Forward to the Next Dance!
Peace,
Deacon Tom Gotschall, The Deacon Dad at:
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