All That Sparkles

I wasn't sure we were entering the right room. The text message said "Room 107" and yes, that was the number above the door.

So we made our way to the back, past three crowded rows of folding chairs filled with parents and grandparents. I stood behind while the boys slid into two of the last three open chairs. I was glad we hadn't arrived any later. Those parents and grandparents still arriving were coming to standing room only.

And then I saw her. All that sparkles and shines.

She and her little classmates entered the room all dressed in their holiday clothes and nervous smiles, searching the room for their special audience, the ones who came just for them. She caught my eye and I waved to her and she came quickly over and filled that last empty chair next to Josh and Sam. She asked with a smile if she was coming to our house, and I explained that no, we were coming to her school to watch her sing today. One of her teachers came over and we introduced ourselves. She told me how much she enjoyed having Savannah in her class, how bright she was. Then it was time for Savannah to go back to the front of the room and take her place. A few more parents yet to arrive and then the program would begin. The boys took off their jackets.

Papa and Mimi Kukowski came, and then with a toddler on her hip and a baby sleeping in a seat came the most important one of all, Savannah's mama. A teacher closed the door. And the children sang.

And Savannah, she sparkled.