All the best for 600 participants in church's annual Joy Prom

Thanks to Providence Baptist Church of Raleigh for a night that more than 600 kids with special needs will never forget.

If you want your heart warmed, your spirit lifted and your hope in youth restored, find out when Providence Baptist will hold its annual Joy Prom, around this time next year.

I watched as my son's care providers loaded six prom-goers, all dressed up, into the van last Friday night. As we approached the church we could hear the noise and see the balloons. An M.C. announced the arrival of each guest, and escorts greeted them. It seemed like the Academy Awards, the way the crowd cheered and cameras flashed. The decorations were out of this world.

There were stations to pick up flowers to wear. The guys had their shoes shined. My son, Jack, had chosen a pair of white patent-leather pointed shoes to go with a dressy grey suit at the fitting held at the church weeks earlier. He could have been in the most expensive clothing shop, with lots of money to spend, the way he was treated.

While Jack was getting his shoes shined, the girls were having their hair styled and makeup applied. Next they had their pictures made. Chick-fil-A provided a delicious dinner, served in a beautifully decorated room. Then it was on to the dance floor -- with a great band.

As I was leaving I saw a limo arrive. A frail little body was lifted out by a strong man, into her wheelchair. She was dressed in a lovely white formal and had a shiny necklace. She was smiling and excited. The M.C. announced her arrival, and as I heard the cheers, tears rolled down my face. It was a little like heaven. The last had been first that night.

Donna Stith

Knightdale