RICHMOND —
What a joy to be inspired to write a column for the Richmond Register about a night to remember, something good, something wholesome, something heartwarming.
I’m talking about the Father-Daughter Dance on Friday night at the Richmond Area Arts Council to benefit the Hope’s Wings program for the victims of domestic violence.
From the moment I arrived to the moment I left, it truly was an enchanted evening.
The first sound I heard as I stepped through the door resembled a rather large herd of elephants. I took this as a good sign figuring there was certainly no trouble getting dads and daughters to dance.
My assumption proved to be correct as I followed the roar up the steps and discovered the dance floor was hopping (literally) with beautiful little girls all dressed up dancing with their proud dads. The dads also were mightily spruced up for the occasion. Suits, ties, even tuxedos, as well as semi-formal gowns, special hair-dos, fancy shoes and more!
But, what really struck me were the expressions on their faces. Absolutely priceless.
Everybody was smiling from ear to ear including onlookers! But the looks exchanged between the fathers and daughters were much more than smiles. As I gazed around the room I realized there was something really special happening here. These fathers and daughters were fully engaged with each other, and they were speaking a language of their own. From the twinkle of an eye to a big beaming smile, the message was the same. Very simply, it was all about love.
I kept thinking the dads were going to wear out long before their daughters. Alas, I was wrong again. Everyone was seated during one of the breaks while the DJ handed out door prizes. He opened the next set with “My Girl.” All it took was the first few notes and dads were jumping to their feet, leading their little princesses out onto the dance floor. I noticed I was not the only one with tears flowing freely at the pure sweetness of the moment.
I attended as a show of support for Hopes’ Wings. It’s hard to believe we have such a need for a program for the victims of domestic violence, but sadly we do. On the bright side, I have no doubt the Father-Daughter Dance will become an annual fundraising event. Hats off to Hope’s Wings and the Richmond Area Arts Council for a job well done!
As I took one last look around the room, I thought to myself, “This is a night every little girl will remember for the rest of her life.” And then I realized every father would look back and cherish it also. Come to think of it ... me, too. Some enchanted evening, indeed.
Viewpoints
Friday night was enchanted evening
Father-Daughter Dance for Hope’s Wings
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Graduation Day
It is that time of year again.
Some years ago, I was invited to speak at the graduation ceremonies of a liberal arts college. Later, many in the audience told me they expected a very political speech. Some of them were relieved; others were disappointed. I don't do politics at graduation.
Graduation is about life.
My high school graduation was OK. I gave a speech. My family was there, intact, probably as happy as they ever were (But did I know?). We went out for Chinese food afterward. -
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Despite hysterical cries from radical environmentalists, neither Sen. Rand Paul’s Defense of Environment and Property Act nor Sen. Mitch McConnell’s Coal Jobs Protection Act would allow activities that bring harm to Kentucky’s wildlife or waterways for the sake of propping up the coal industry.
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Peter Perlman — Life lessons from a lawyer’s lawyer
One of the great moments of my life was sitting next to legendary Louisville attorney Frank Haddad at a luncheon when he learned he had received the first Peter Perlman Outstanding Trial Lawyer award from the Kentucky Academy of Trial Lawyers.
As they started his bio, the surprised Frank started crying like a baby. A sudden heart attack took him less than a year later. Winning the Perlman award was the crowning achievement of his career. -
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Frequently, people stop me and ask me personal finance questions.
The most common is how to improve their credit history score.
If you need to improve your credit score, it means you have lousy credit. Before fixing the score, people need to ask how their credit got so bad to begin with. -
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Viewpoints change when critics gain power
Scandals like those roiling Washington often look more or less nefarious as time and facts unfold. After all, what at first looked like a third-rate burglary turned into Watergate.
I doubt the scandals around Benghazi, the IRS and subpoenas of Associated Press phone records reach Watergate status — but we must await more information and time to know. -
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When announcing my retirement, I made reference to letting “Trouble” having one last ride.
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Going from school to work requires preparation, faith
(Editor’s Note: After graduating from EKU on Saturday, Seth Littrell came to work Monday at the Richmond Register as a reporter/photographer.)
This past Saturday weekend I graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with my bachelor’s in journalism.
It was the single goal I had been working toward for the past four years, and as I walked across that stage I realized I was the first person in my family to do so. -
Report on former EKU Center for the Arts director called 'biased, unfair'
I am writing in response to the Richmond Register’s May 3, 2013, article concerning the former Executive Director of the EKU Center for the Arts. The article I reference appeared on the front page of your newspaper with the headline “Sexual harassment, other offenses alleged in Hoskin’s records in 740 pages of documents.”
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Recognizing those who provide care
How fitting it is that the beginning of National Nursing Home Week is Mother’s Day, May 12.
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