Mom Fail, Teacher Save

To quote my boys, I had an epic fail this past Wednesday night. 

Each January there is a designated night set aside for parents to observe at dance class. For Mallie's class this brand new year that night was January 18th.

It had been a disjointed week already and I was completely preoccupied with something else that same early Wednesday evening. At almost the last moment I remembered that Mallie had dance; so we rushed to get ready and I was actually quite proud of both of us for making it out the door on time. That particular night, it was definitely an achievement.

As we were en route it hit me. Oh no. Is this observation night? Gulp. Back at home I had left semi-browned hamburger on the stovetop and Quincie watching a movie. Even though everyone else was in the house, nobody was in a good spot to attend to Quincie. 

Stepping into Miss Nyree's classroom that night confirmed my blunder. There were chairs set up all around the perimeter of the room and parents occupying those same chairs. All of the other girls were in their black pants and black and hot pink Leigh's tank top. Though I thought Mallie looked nothing short of beguiling in her pale pink dance outfit with matching headband, she certainly did not match the other girls. In fact, she rather stood out. 

I had no choice but to confess and tell Nyree the truth. That I had completely forgotten it was parent observation night and there was simply no way I could change gears now and stay. Mom Fail. Nyree turned to Mallie and said, Mallie, can I be your Mom for the next 45 minutes? I would love that! Teacher Save. :)

Its just one of those marvelous reminders that there really is still such a thing as kindness in this world. It is gifted to us when we need it most and deserve it least. I was incredibly grateful to Nyree for saving the day for Mallie. I was also ridiculously proud of Mallie for handling the situation with such perspective and grace.

My little me could have cried or thrown a fit or been justifiably quite upset with me. Instead, she chose to simply make the best of it. I love how secure my little girl is. She did say that she kept glancing towards the door, looking for one of us (Brent or myself) to show up late; but when we didn't, that was just the end of it.  

Dance class was over, Nyree had been her marvelous pretend Mommy for 45 minutes...and it really wasn't that big of a deal. She did state over supper that her Mommy was the only one who didn't sit down :) but then she shrugged, took another bite of her French toast and happily resumed chatting with her big brothers. 

I love that girl. Lots. :)