We were invited to a special night a week ago.......
a evening filled with "awards", scholarships, recognitions, and typical university banquet fare of lasagna, salad and a big CAKE decorated with icing of gold and purple. Yes, the purple icing was left on the plate except for that of the ONLY 7 year old in attendance.
Two tables held the hearts of those waiting to breathe in the words of our own Poet Laureate... our own honoree, our own sweet Jay's young bride....... she looked lovely in her PINK!
There were those of us who'd walked these places before, and memories flooded the room in which we now sat. I remember Troy and the rest of the athletes (no football back then... only D1 baseball!!) gathered around Foosball tables with only the brave at heart willing to enter the den. One of those sitting here tonight was a brave one with my Troy... he now sat here with a daughter given, grown... he was proud. Em brought KG to experience the magic that only words in these rhythms can weave. She understood.
It was clear that this one was held in good graces not only by the ones she invited, but also by the ones she had taught and evaluated. These smiles told more than mere words of Carrie's character. One's students are a dimension not often revealed.... yet we saw.
The microphone was held by several before her, but as she stepped up, it was clear.... they'd saved the best for last. She was not unfamiliar with this partner. He ushered her words into our hearts easily.
Contemplative, with timing perfectly metered, she picked up her "brush"
The room was her canvas as she painted her pictures of times gone by... of family, farms and fathers.........her words splashed into our own memories.
And then........the open doors shut and a proud new father knew the joy of a daughter with a poet's heart. What a lovely thing to see......... I felt a little exposed myself as we stood there in this place
But then, that precious smile........the one that finished, what one might have considered merely another performance.........but this was more....... this was a glimpse inside a lady I like... a lady who won the heart of a nephew with eyes like the moon and a heart as big as Dallas.... a lady that I now know a little more about....in a room full of my past, Carrie gave me a new memory.... Congratulations Carrie.... we heard you.......and will look forward to "hearing" more. 
We were INVITED!! and that meant more than you know!
