I don’t care about prom, grandma! Really. Anne, Kerry’s granddaughter, remarked over the phone, “I want to stay home and watch movies with Mom.”
Kerry phoned her to discuss her Strawberry Crest High School graduation in Tampa, Florida, and prom. The older mother was astonished when her granddaughter said she wouldn’t go. She said she didn’t care, but Kerry knew.
Kerry lived alone on her pension while her daughter Lisa worked minimum wage. Insufficient funds prevented them from buying Anne a prom dress. The 18-year-old was ashamed.
“Ma’am. Are you okay? A compassionate man inquired, “Can I help?”
“Are you sure you never want to go? I attended the prom with your granddad. He proposed unexpectedly and we married a few months later. We loved each other until his death, and I miss him daily. Kerry, cheerfully urging her to attend, said the prom may alter her life.
I know, Grandma. Still, though. Not going. I have no date either, therefore it doesn’t matter. I have a few finals, therefore I must study. See you later! Anne said and hung up too abruptly for Kerry.
Therefore, the older woman decided. She saved some of her pension each month to meet her funeral expenditures so Lisa wouldn’t have to worry. There was a more important matter.
She wanted a granddaughter dress. Anne merited it. She worked hard in school and was smart. She wasn’t responsible for their poverty, and Kerry would urge her to wear a pretty outfit to the prom.
She found a gorgeous dress boutique in the mall the next day. She entered, the sparkle widening her eyes. “What would Anne like?” she inquired, caressing her closest robe.
“Hello! My name is Sandra. What can I do to assist you today? A saleslady approached Kerry, but she stumbled to speak. She stared up and down at Kerry with a funny mouth.
“Hi there! Find a dress for my granddaughter. Kerry smiled at the strange woman and said, “Her prom is coming up.”
I’m sorry. Not a rental shop. “You must buy these dresses in full,” Sandra urged, connecting her hands.
Kerry had no idea what she meant. Yes, I know. But can you show me some popular models?
“The most popular are expensive. In fact, the entire business may be too expensive. Could you get it at Target? Sandra suggested, and Kerry understood her attitude. She believed Kerry couldn’t afford anything and shouldn’t shop there.
She was insulted immediately but didn’t want to argue. Sandra followed her through the store. “I’m just browsing, okay?” Kerry tried to get the woman off her back.
“Listen, Target has great deals in your price range. Sandra crossed her arms, saying this is too much. We also have cameras everywhere. Your nasty old bag won’t hold anything.”
Kerry turned to confront the unpleasant saleslady, her eyes widening. Sandra mock-smirked at her, challenging her to act. Because she had never been aggressive, she ran out of the store, ashamed and crying.
Accidentally dropping her luggage outside the mall made her cry even more. She sobbed as the woman ridiculed her, then something touched her shoulder.
“Ma’am. Are you okay? A pleasant masculine voice inquired, “Can I help you?” Kerry looked at a young cop who tried to encourage her to stand up straight. He reached down to grab her pocketbook and smiled brightly.
“Oh, thank you, officer,” Kerry responded, taking the bag and calming down.
“I’m an apprentice. I’m 20, but I’ll be an officer soon,” he said. Tell me what happened?
“Well, it’s a bit silly…,” the older woman said. His face prompted her to talk. When she finished, he frowned heavily.
“That’s absurd! How can a salesperson treat you that way?
“Your name, young man?”
He said, “George Martins,” and faced the mall doors. My mentor came for coffee. Time to pick a dress. Off we go!”
Kerry resisted, but George took her to the expensive boutique. Sandra immediately recognized her.
“Officer, I thought I told you to leave. What’s up?” Sandra asked, changing her mind after seeing the cop with Kerry.
“We came here for a dress, and we’re not leaving without one,” George said, gesturing for Kerry to keep shopping. While Sandra shopped for a dress, he complained to her manager.
Kerry objected, but she chose a gorgeous prom dress and George paid half of it. The retailer gave them a discount after George complained, so it wasn’t that pricey. They heard the manager yell at Sandra as they left.
George took Kerry out of the mall and farewell. Kerry couldn’t let such a great kid leave. “George, do you have any plans this weekend?” she said slyly, lifting her eyebrows. George laughed.
***
Kerry brought the garment to Lisa’s house on prom night to surprise her grandchild. They told her this was a crucial rite of passage for all teens and dressed her up.
Anne ended up happy and gorgeous. They photographed her, but she shrugged. “It’s too bad I don’t have a date,” she replied, shyly fixing her clothing.
As Kerry stared, the doorbell rang.
George stood outside in a nice tux and holding a corsage. The elder woman introduced herself, recounting the mall incident and George’s kindness. Although mortified, Anne accepted the corsage and date.
They had fun at prom, and seven years later, she married George.
I told you prom can alter your life! Kerry told Anne while working on her wedding dress.
What can this story teach us?
Treating someone less because of their appearance is rude. Sandra was chastised for judging Kerry since she didn’t appear like her normal customers.
Help as much as you can. George helped a weeping elderly woman. He discovered satisfaction through that one act of compassion.
Tell your friends about this. It may inspire and cheer them up.