Prom Scene Photos By Sue Silverstein

I like to say that Sue Silverstein is a saint, but I might also add that there is a good and powerful witch somewhere. She says we were both adopted and are siblings. The bottom line is that she knows me. And she always gets her way.

All day, she’s been sending me pictures, and videos of the Prom preparations at Bishop Maginn High School, funded by the Army of Good, and beneath each photo is a message to put my health first; she knows I can’t come to the prom.

Maria and I have been trading reasons why it isn’t very smart even to try to go tomorrow afternoon.

This evening, I called Sue, and while we were on the phone, she sent me this fantastic video of the preparations for the prom that went on all day long with Sue and the students, who she said was excited beyond words.

It looks great, they’ve done a fantastic job with the money we sent them, and they are sending most of it to food pantries around the city.

Then she nailed me to the wall with this message:  Whether I come or not, she wrote, “we could not have done any of this without you and the Army Of Good! My kids will leave the school with happy, joyful memories of a wonderful evening thanks to the kindnesses you have shown us!”

That sealed it for me; instead of bawling, I just decided on the spot to come. Maria was happy and eager to see the kids she worked with in their prom dresses. She got to know a lot of them. Her objections seemed to melt away.

“Please put yourself first,” messaged Sue, “we’ll talk in the morning.”

Forget it, I said, I’m coming. He means it, said Maria. And I do.

We have done so much for and with these beautiful people and courageous and good-hearted children, the very least I can do is see them and the school off on its last day of existence. I love Sue dearly and want to be there for the last day of this school, where she did so much good and worked so many miracles.

I would regret it forever if I didn’t go, and Zinnia gets to come and lead the red carpet parade! How can I not be there to capture that?

Sue will reserve a car space next to the school for me; I’ll get there around 4 p.m. The red carpet parade is at 4:30 the prom starts at 5 p.m. Food will be served by refugee mothers from all over the world as well Albany.

I won’t stay too long, just long enough to get a feel for things. And some photos. I’m bringing the tripod. You all deserve to see how it went. You’re the ones who made it possible.

“Please know that we love you whether you get her or not,” Sue said. But I’m wise to her now.

“Hey, Sue,” I said, “you can tell me in person. We’re coming.” Maria is already talking about the dress she’s going to wear.

She is very excited.” I  never get to dress up,” she said.

This is a perfect thing to do. Trust your gut, said, my daughter. Well, she added quickly, maybe not your gut right now.

Definitely not now. My gut has defected to the dark side.

I better rest up. Sue is wiley as a fox and knows as well as anyone in the world how to ring my bells. I’m glad she knew which buttons to push.