May…proms

1962… Miami Beach… The Fontainebleau

      The Fontainebleau  1962  A White Sport Coat
                  (and a pink carnation)

I thought I would look the same as everyone else

in a school of excess.

Competition, new to me, brutal.

My generous Aunt, her dressmaker, pale yellow silk, 

the love, the gift.

A hand rolled hem, strapless, a scarf flowing at the back.

That night I belonged, even there.

I often wish that every young girl could have a savior. The one who seems to love you more than anyone else. The one who stands by, who guides you into who you may become, but never judges. My Aunt Teresa. Twice divorced in the 1950’s but still knelt beside her bed to pray at night. I did when I was with her too. It was so different for me. Special. Devoted to family, yet, she was crazy fun! That stuck, the crazy fun!