When Falyn was four years old, Grandpa (Ernie) Fortner invited Falyn out to celebrate her birthday. He told her that she could pick any restaurant, any dress, and any toy that she wanted! I was thrilled, I whispered "Olive Garden" to Falyn, and she asked for Mc Donald's. For dress shopping I suggested Macy's, Falyn picked Mervyn's, because they had "The Lion King" dresses there. At "Toys R Us" I pointed to the "My Size Barbie’s", but Falyn chose little troll dolls with hot pink, blue and green hair. Falyn was so-ooooo happy! She had a wonderful day with Grandpa Fortner. I on the other hand felt disappointed, I wanted more for Falyn, but she was so happy with her choices, and having her way. After all it was HER birthday and not mine.
A couple months ago I was asked by our Stake YM/YW's presidency to DJ the Mormon Prom. I agreed to the dance. Tonight I DJ'd a stake dance- I thought it would be a good warm up! Scott gave the YM/YW index cards to write down their favorite songs- so that I could play them at the dance. I spent a few days reading the lyrics of top 20 hits...some could not be played at the stake dance. It took many hours to accumulate play lists of popular, current, and decent songs (preferred music for 14-18 year-olds). Tonight was the test- the dance went well. The kids danced and gave me generous compliments as well! Success?! The Stake Young Women's President said she wants the dance kicked up 10 notches next month for the prom. Mostly slow songs, ballads, and older music. My question is... whose prom is this? I can see playing a couple waltzes for fun and culture, but isn't this prom for the kids?
I learned a valuable lesson from Grandpa Fortner, sometimes it's not about you...
