Joshua's Valentine Ball!

(This was written earlier, but I just got around to posting it...better late than never!)

They'd spent the better part of 2 weeks preparing for and anticipating this night: the very first Valentine Ball at Joshua's Therapeutic Recreation Center.

On Tuesday, they began to decorate. A curtain made from red and pink tinsel separated the "dance floor" from the "snack room." They hung lanterns and hearts from the ceiling. On Wednesday, they split into groups. One group strung white Christmas lights around the windows and around the ceiling beams (I asked who got up on the ladder, and Mrs. Sherrie said, "no one! We did it the JIMMIE way, and threw them up there! It made me laugh just thinking about it!). The other group was busy in the kitchen, making cookies and treats for the dance.

On the day OF the ball, which was Valentine's Day, the group went to the cosmetology department of a local high school, where the girls were treated to manicures and make-up...and had their hair styled for the dance! For free! While the guys were invited to go for a manicure, my Joshua saw the handwriting on the wall, which basically was lots of sitting while the girls were primping and he said, "no, thank YOU" and opted to stay home. He hung out with Holly and me, and we took him shopping, and to get a haircut.

He was pretty excited to dress up for the Ball. He wore his black dress pants. I bought him a new shirt, and he picked out a HAT he wanted at Target. He said he wanted to look "FLY" for the dance.

(You have to know that hats aren't a great look for a Downsy boy. He has a little head and tiny ears and hats just don't sit right...but he loved it, and I will have to say that it was precious on him...and everyone agreed that he looked so handsome!)

The place looked GREAT when we got there. They had transformed the "Center" where they meet, hang-out and receive instruction...to a real, live BALL! Slowly but surely, Joshua's friends began to arrive. The girls were ALL dressed up in their fanciest clothes! One of the girls cried when she saw Joshua, because she said he looked so handsome! They were all so excited...FOR EACH OTHER!

And when the music started, they all danced. I loved how uninhibited they were. The girls danced with the boys, or with each other. It didn't even bother them to dance alone. I watched as they swayed to the music, alone in their thoughts. They seemed to be transported to another place...a place away from their disabilities and challenges. It was so beautiful.

When Joshua was in high school, he was blessed to be able to attend his Jr and Sr proms. Jenni's school also had a prom that they attended together. But for some of these "kids," this Valentine Ball was their first opportunity to dress up and feel special...and boy, did Sherrie, Jimmie and the rest of the staff make them feel special! They got pampered. They dressed up. They had pictures made. They had a guest DJ (made even more perfect when they saw it was Jimmie!), and they rocked the night away! I am beyond thankful for everyone who made this night possible.

They had so much fun!

True kings and queens, fearfully and wonderfully made.

"...let us love one another, for love is from God..." 1 John 4:7