What would any responsible single parent do who recently received the unfortunate news that she didn’t land the one job she really wanted and worked so hard to secure?
What would any responsible single parent do upon learning her unemployment extension application was denied, especially after receiving one of those $500 red light camera tickets? (Apparently they're still valid in the Valley) Happy happy, joy joy.
And what would the single parent do who was excited to get to know a man who sought her out, pursued her, asked her out again during the first date only to dump her via text before the second date?
I’ll tell you what she wouldn't do. She wouldn't crawl into her cocoon where she would cry her eyeballs out until they were tearless (at least not in front of anyone). Nope! She would do what any mature single parent would do after a hat trick by the opposing team—run away!
And that’s exactly what I’m going to do, only I’m taking my favorite person in the world with me: my daughter, “Delicious D.” There are many reasons why she inspires and delights me, and here is one recent example:
On Thanksgiving Day, Delicious D and I volunteered at the House of Blues Feed the Homeless Gospel Brunch. To give back is one of my greatest joys, and, thankfully, Delicious D feels the same. She is an awesome little worker bee.
She worked tirelessly placing a flower on every table, adding silverware and making sure each place setting had a napkin. When it came time to serve brunch, she delivered beverages to every table until each person had a drink. She gladly served seconds and then came into the kitchen where I was working. She helped plate food while keeping all of us adults entertained with her enthusiasm and love of life. She simply radiates light.
After everyone was fed, I went upstairs by myself to take it all in—and I noticed a family who had obviously been tested far more than I.
Dressed to the nines, they laughed, ate and danced with more joy in their step than most of us live on any given day. I can’t remember the last time I felt that free. They reminded me that I only live once, and, damn it, I’m going to enjoy it!
So, like the right-minded, unemployed, single parent that I am who has not had a vacation in 13 years, nor ever with my daughter, I’m getting out of Dodge and leaving the sting of rejection behind to share the sights and sounds of Washington, DC, and New York City through the eyes of my Delicious D!
We are leaving Dec. 17, and my column will resume Dec 26. In the interim, Delicious D and I wish you the happiest of holidays—and remember: It ain’t about the times you’ve been knocked down; it's only about how you get up!
