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Dalia and Heidi, as Cinderella and Supergirl

Posted December 23, 2008 by Charlene Frias

Dalia was recently invited to a "big-girl" birthday party - "big-girl" meaning it was for Mia, the older sister of her best friend, Heidi, who was turning 7. Heidi's mom wrote a thoughtful note on her birthday party invitation that said she would love Dalia to join, so Heidi could have a pal at the party too. The party theme was super-glam, with mini-makeovers and dancing.  Dalia was thrilled, and we happily accepted.

My only apprehension was leaving Dalia at a party by herself, when I could rarely drop her off at preschool without a meltdown. However, I knew she would love it, and would be in good hands with Heidi’s family. If all things went as planned, I would swoop in, drop her off, and away I would go, returning two hours later for pickup. 

My plot was foiled upon arrival. One foot in the door, and her hand began tugging at my shirt pleadingly, with a look in her eyes as if to say, 'You had better not be leaving, Mommy!' And then her little voice spoke out, "You stay, right? Promise you stay." 

I must be strong, I thought. Stick to my plan. I felt awkward, like a mom who just couldn’t decide whether to buck up and get out, or sit back and let the party happen around me as if I weren’t there. I think I did a little of both. I spent half the time acting like I was about to leave, and the other half pretending like I was a fixture, maybe a large pillow on their couch. Heidi’s parents graciously understood.

But this isn’t about me, is it? This is about two girls, two best friends. And so, off they went. While Mia and her friends were being pampered with makeup, frilly boas, and glam hairdos, Dalia and Heidi snuck off for their own fun, completely oblivious to the excitement of Heidi's big-sister-party action going on in the next room. They seemed most content to enter into their own little world. 

After what sounded like an amusing costume-tossing flurry, Cinderella and Supergirl emerged from Heidi’s room. Dalia, the empress to princesses, was delighted to be the ambassador of girly-girls. Heidi was dressed as Supergirl, with a personality exuding a star quality that matched her heart-shaped glasses. The director at our girl’s preschool once told me that Heidi is going to be President. I believe it.

Arm-in-arm, they decided that some big-girl party fun was on the agenda. It was time to jazz up their look with face painting. But just a couple of powder puffs later, the music pumping from the dining room distracted them.

Oh, and the cupcakes! After all, the locally famous cupcakes from Becker’s Bakery were being served up. Various chocolate and strawberry cupcakes topped their plates. They munched away, smiling at one another in a place all their own. 

I’m so glad I was there. While the party should have been for the kids, I was graced with a front-row view, and a reminder that some friendships are just meant to be. In this case, it happens to be between two real-life Supergirls.