Finding Forgiveness in Her Smile
NEW YORK TIMES TINY LOVE STORY March 19, 2024
I lifted tiers of tulle off the dressing room carpet and sighed heavily. “Every layer must be hemmed,” I said. “Can you fix it by prom, Mom?” she pleaded softly. I winced.
I LIFTED TIERS of tulle off the dressing room carpet and sighed heavily. “Every layer must be hemmed,” I said. “Can you fix it by prom, Mom?” she pleaded softly. I winced. For 20 months, I’d watched our three children shoulder disappointments since toxic mold invaded our home and we were forced to move into trailers in our backyard. Another deep breath. Another attempt to make life better. We bought the dress. I grabbed shears, then trimmed an even strip. Finding forgiveness in her smile, I hoped this memory would eclipse the others.
