She Really Likes Him

George is the one that has stolen my daughter’s heart. His imperfections are what appeals to her and she embraces any and every opportunity to be around him for as long as she can. Her trips home are measured by how soon she will return to her adoring George.  Ironically, he is not exclusive but that does not seem to bother her. He is not callous in his ways, but provides her with precisely what she needs.  She is in the first year of their courtship and although I clearly see an end, forever seems possible from her innocent rose-colored view. The introduction was made by my wife and me and the moment she met him she knew instantly and instinctively that they would be together. My hands are tied as I watch their union grow stronger. Let go and let God. Let go and let God. George is the one that has stolen my daughter’s heart.

Wait.....What?

Two weeks ago my wife decided that we should attend the annual parent party at our daughter’s boarding school. Not only did she feel that our attendance was required, she believed that we needed to be of service and liberally placed our names on the clean-up committee.  By the time I learned of the party and my obligatory commitment there was no room for negotiations, I was going. 

Once we pulled up to the valet parking and had our coats checked in we made our way inside and immediately saw our friend Gail waving us over to bistro table where she sat with her partner. The party was held in the garage of a luxury car dealership owned by parents of a student.  The garage decor was faux outdoor fresco setting complete with stucco walls balconies overlooking the cobblestone floor. Ten foot workable lampposts and sconces perfectly place on the pseudo sidewalk where red and white striped awnings hung over makeshift offices and storefronts.  I failed miserably at not gawking at painted ceiling and décor stretching my so far back I was lightheaded.  The high ceiling provided an excellent acoustics for the live jazz band as bobbed heads and tapping feet were seen from corner to corner. 

There were no expectations for the party, we are opened minded people who are ready for anything and fully accept everyone for who they are and what they believe. We pride ourselves in the diversity of our friendships and how organically they are created and developed. We read everything from Franz Kafaka to John Girsham.  But all that goes out of the window when the uncomfortable truth of a fear is realized. While having a great glass of red wine and nibbling on a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup, a parent plainly asked, “So what do you think about all the sex and drugs that’s going on at school?”