The Hop
The Sock Hop was much more entertaining than I thought it would be. When we first arrived, I was already looking for an out. I figured, worst case scenario, that Nooze would want to dance a song or two - and then we'd go home.
Riiiight.
Nooze is a Social Butterfly, and was off with her little friend in a matter of seconds. The music started, and BAM! A sea of kids, poodle skirts, leather jackets...and Chuck Berry at top volume surrounded me.
Nearly everyone was dancing - save ME - and the geriatric grandparents next to me. I leaned against the wall, Classic Coke in hand, and simply watched. Some things never change...
Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw Something. I shook my head and sighed, as the Something I saw was Nooze...and her friend. At the front of the room...
...Swan diving and pirouetting off the STAGE...and slamming into each other. I didn't put a stop to it until they began chasing each other around the room at top speed. They could have hurt someone.
I made Nooze sit down for a minute, as she was out of breath. She took 30 seconds to drink some Dr. Pepper and gulp down some popcorn. Before I could blink, she was off again to dance with her friends.
My night was made a few minutes later, when I saw a lady in the middle of the floor with all of the kids. She was maybe in her 50s or 60s; it was really hard to tell. She appeared to be a stereotypical Southern Belle; her hair and makeup were neat; she was dressed to the nines. But there she was, in the middle 0f about 15 little girls, slamming out the mashed potato, the twist...and singing Greased Lightning at the top of her lungs. It was pure joy, my friends; she reminded me of my mother. I will admit to crying at that point.
All told, we stayed an hour or so. Before we left, however, I sought out the woman from the dance floor. I didn't ask her name, but thanked her for the joy that she shared with me. She smiled, hugged me, and said "Well, Sugar, thank you. I lost my mother early. Too early. To cancer. I determined then that little things like pride and what others thought would NOT keep me from having as much fun as I possibly could".
Before we went home, Nooze had her picture taken - Pink Lady style - leaning on TWO separate muscle cars. She hasn't stopped talking about it.
The very best part of the night? All proceed from the night out went directly to Relay for Life.
Take THAT, cancer!
Riiiight.
Nooze is a Social Butterfly, and was off with her little friend in a matter of seconds. The music started, and BAM! A sea of kids, poodle skirts, leather jackets...and Chuck Berry at top volume surrounded me.
Nearly everyone was dancing - save ME - and the geriatric grandparents next to me. I leaned against the wall, Classic Coke in hand, and simply watched. Some things never change...
Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw Something. I shook my head and sighed, as the Something I saw was Nooze...and her friend. At the front of the room...
...Swan diving and pirouetting off the STAGE...and slamming into each other. I didn't put a stop to it until they began chasing each other around the room at top speed. They could have hurt someone.
I made Nooze sit down for a minute, as she was out of breath. She took 30 seconds to drink some Dr. Pepper and gulp down some popcorn. Before I could blink, she was off again to dance with her friends.
My night was made a few minutes later, when I saw a lady in the middle of the floor with all of the kids. She was maybe in her 50s or 60s; it was really hard to tell. She appeared to be a stereotypical Southern Belle; her hair and makeup were neat; she was dressed to the nines. But there she was, in the middle 0f about 15 little girls, slamming out the mashed potato, the twist...and singing Greased Lightning at the top of her lungs. It was pure joy, my friends; she reminded me of my mother. I will admit to crying at that point.
All told, we stayed an hour or so. Before we left, however, I sought out the woman from the dance floor. I didn't ask her name, but thanked her for the joy that she shared with me. She smiled, hugged me, and said "Well, Sugar, thank you. I lost my mother early. Too early. To cancer. I determined then that little things like pride and what others thought would NOT keep me from having as much fun as I possibly could".
Before we went home, Nooze had her picture taken - Pink Lady style - leaning on TWO separate muscle cars. She hasn't stopped talking about it.
The very best part of the night? All proceed from the night out went directly to Relay for Life.
Take THAT, cancer!
posted by rennratt at 3:01 PM
9 Comments:
WONDERFUL! I am so glad you went to the hop!
what amazing insight that lady shared with you. And I'm glad you and Nooze had a great time. Even though memories of your mom are sad, embrace them...you'll be glad you did!
EeeeeYAY!
Nooze MADE the mosh pit. Sweet.
Aw, I was hoping that link would be to the actual Nooze picture!
heh.
That's just straight cool.
When she's ready for the real mosh pit, I'll take her., you don't need to watch. :D
Take THAT cancer is damn right.
I lost my mother in November 2005 (esophageal cancer). It's really rough, isn't it?
I'm glad you and Nooze had a good time at the Hop, though! And for a great cause!
I bet those children were a hoot to watch! This was a very touching story.
Great story, wonderfully written - yay for life!!
Thank you for sharing.
Sounds like you have a little punk rocker in the making.
Enjoy it. :D
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