Chronologically…
my daughter is both turning 13 and becoming a Bat Mitzvah one week from today.
Academically…
she is completely prepared for the service.
Physically…
she is taller than many other females in my family.
Emotionally…
she is ready to be a teenager.
Chronologically…
I couldn’t possibly be old enough to have a teenage child.
Academically…
I still can’t get the melody to the Aliyah down, despite being a musician and singing it at services for the past 30+ years.
Physically…
I just want to take a nap.
Emotionally…
well, you can judge for yourself at the end of this article.
That is where we stand, just one week before the event that has been years in the making. As my co-planners and I straddle the various roles of project manager, party planner, caterer, greeter, administrative assistant, mediator (I have an ex-wife and a mother), music director, graphic designer, personal shopper, and cheerleader, the deeper meaning of the day hasn’t been lost. Despite my rose-colored time machine glasses, my daughter really is becoming an adult, years removed from the booster seats and sippy cups I still see when I look at her.
But this post isn’t about reflection; it’s about T minus seven days and counting. It’s about stressing if the chocolate fountain, customized silicon bracelets, and slipper socks are going to arrive in the mail in time. It’s the final counts for catering and the right outfits for the family. It’s the baked goods for the Oneg and the various signage for the party. It’s the speech I need to give on the bimah and the hundreds of little tasks that still need to be done. There’s no time for quiet contemplation, it’s go time. Even with the help of a mother who used to be a kosher catering manager at a hotel, and an ex who is experienced planning and executing large scale events, this is still overwhelming.
Actually, until Monday, I was pretty calm. Then the buzz started reverberating through my body. Nervous energy. Restless leg syndrome. Vodka providing only temporary relief. You know who is calm? Without any help from vodka? My daughter! Cool as a cucumber. She’s making the rest of us look bad. And that’s a good thing, since this about her, it’s her weekend, and I can’t wait to sit back and watch her shine.
I know she’ll do a wonderful job, I know all the parties and meals will go smoothly (but feel free to remind me of that in the comments section below), and I know worry and stress don’t make the preparation go any faster. But, there’s stuff to do. Tasks are being completed, but what eludes me is the tasks still left to do. In the spirit of the season, I’ll be making a list, checking it twice, and finding out who’s naughty and nice. (Okay, that one may be a different, but far more interesting list.)
As you enjoy the rest of your Thanksgiving weekend, usually one of the best and most relaxing weekends of the year when not traveling, remember there are a few of us out there that are working, trying to make sure our children have the special day they’ve worked so hard for.
In the end, whether we are ready or not, the Bat Mitzvah will go on. And while the chocolate fountain has been ordered, I still need the dairy-free chocolate to fill it. Oh well, add it to the list.
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