Prom and Gone (From Swindon Advertiser)

Prom and Gone

12:31pm Wednesday 8th July 2009

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The prom has been and gone and I wonder what was it all for? With so much preparation and so much anticipation, the days after have left a void in the Stretch household.

I was allowed some involvement on the evening. I did the meet and greet as well-wishers assembled at our house. Parents, Uncles, Aunties, cousins and siblings arrived to see the girls together and wave them off in the limousine.

I introduced myself to one family as the ‘father of the bride’ and then decided not to attempt any more jokes.

There was a buzz in the air, the loud excitement of the girls in their dresses, camera flashes from proud parents as they took pictures in the garden and a crowded kitchen gave it a party atmosphere.

Then someone shouted “Limo”, suddenly I was left in the kitchen with half a glass of cava and a confused cat. What a party!

All attention had focused on the car out in the road. Another photo opportunity for the families to snap their daughters getting into this huge left hand drive American thing.

Before my daughter left I was insistent on at least getting eye contact and mouthing a good luck. Through a gap in the crowd I did, and got a nod in return.

All this may seem ridiculous to those that have not experienced it. But it has become a social landmark, not only for sons and daughters but for parents alike. Not quite a modern ‘rites of passage’, not a graduation but more than just a party and a chance to dress up.

I can only say it was not one of the expectations I had when my daughters were born. As with any new father I had my hopes and aspirations for my children but the prom was not one of the responsibilities I anticipated.

I can Look forward to another prom in two years time. My younger daughter is already making plans. I wonder how prom culture will evolve by then. Perhaps big fluffy dresses will be ‘uncool’ and gas guzzling motor transport considered to be damaging to the fragile environment.

I hope so!