Mavis was a classic beauty. On this particular night, she was brilliant in a muted pink, chiffon maxi dress with silvery, sparkly slippers that glided effortlessly across the tiled floor of the lounge. Her shoulder length, ash blonde hair gathered up the colors of the elaborate ceiling lights as she and her best girlfriends found their seats.
This was Mavis’ first time at Caribou’s Ladies Night Out On The Town, and she was ecstatic! She rocked back and forth in time to music that went from the 1960s to present day, with a little “country” sprinkled in for good measure.
Mavis, at the age of 65, was in perfect sync with the chronologically younger women who danced with and around her. This night was not judgmental, nor was it exclusive. This night was all about laughter, music, dancing, prizes, refreshment, and the wonder of womankind. This was a night to remember.
Mavis and her best girlfriends had been waiting for this evening for months. Once the tickets were purchased, the ladies began planning their time of arrival and their attire. Mavis knew immediately that she would dress as the princess she had always aspired to be.
From the confines of her bag, she pulled out six tiaras, proudly handing them out to her best girlfriends. The ladies squealed in unison as they placed their crowns upon their heads; some landing crooked and one actually upside down. They fussed with each other until the tiaras were perfectly in place and dubbed themselves the Six Supreme Sensations as their headpieces bobbed with the beat of the music.
Mavis and her best girlfriends stood up and danced in place; their arms held above their heads with fingers snapping. With no hesitation, Mavis reached up and gently removed her tiara, pulling the ash blond wig from her head. She put the tiara back on her head and without missing a beat, continued dancing. Applause rose above the music, as her six best girlfriends and the others in the lounge acknowledged Mavis and the significance of her unveiling. There were no exclamations of shock or pity; rather a surge of love, power, and healing.
The night continued with tireless enthusiasm and exhilaration. The Chinese buffet was delicious, as always. Though there were conversations taking place within each group of friends, there were no boundaries and no barriers. The ladies exchanged phone numbers and email addresses; encouraging old and new acquaintances to keep in touch. No medicine, procedure or counselor could match the benefit of an evening such as this. For the first time in a long time, Mavis felt alive.
Her best girlfriends — her two daughters, her sister, and her two dearest friends — drove her home after the event; exchanging hugs, kisses, and the promise to get together the very next day to schmooze.
After they had gone, Mavis opened up her bag and removed the ash blonde wig. Folding it neatly, she tucked it into the back of her bathroom linen closet. “I won’t be needing this anymore,” she whispered. She caught one last glimpse of herself in the mirror just before she padded down the hall and into bed.
Lying on the soft pillows, she smiled into the quiet darkness and adjusted her tiara one last time before falling into a peaceful and blessed sleep.
Belinda Wilcox Ouellette lives in Connor with her husband, Dale, and their Goldendoodle, Barney Rubble. You may contact Belinda online at dbwouellette@maine.rr.com.
