It was such a simple change.
I sometimes wondered how we had allowed ourselves to forget it.
Several months later, Lily's school held a spring celebration.
The children were going to sing, read short poems, and display artwork they had created during the year. There would be photographs, refreshments, and the kind of cheerful confusion that always seemed to accompany elementary school events.
Lily was excited.
She had practiced her part for weeks.
She also wanted to wear the pink dress.
The same sparkling dress Vanessa had thrown onto the floor.
Daniel had kept it carefully in her closet.
One afternoon, my granddaughter brought it to my house.
She held it against her chest.
"Grandma?"
I smiled.
"Yes, sweetheart?"
"Do you think this is too fancy?"
I looked at the puffy sleeves and the glittering skirt.
"Do you like it?"
She nodded.
"A lot."
"Is it comfortable?"
"Yes."
"Does it work for the celebration?"
She smiled.
"I think so."
I nodded.
"Then it sounds like a good choice."
Lily looked uncertain.
"Are you sure?"
I took her hand.
"Sweetheart, you don't need me to like everything you choose."
She frowned.
"But I want you to."
I smiled.
"That's very sweet. But the important thing is that you're learning to make choices for yourself."
She looked down at the dress.
For a moment, she considered the words.
Then she smiled.
"I choose pink."
I laughed.
"Then pink it is."
On the day of the celebration, I arrived early.
Ruth came with me.
Daniel was already standing near the school entrance holding a small bouquet of flowers. He looked nervous in the way parents often do when their children are about to perform something important.
I smiled.
"You're early."
He laughed.
"Didn't want to miss it."
We entered the auditorium together.
The room was filled with families, teachers, and children waiting for their turn onstage. Paper decorations hung from the walls, and a row of little chairs had been arranged near the front.
Then I saw Lily.
She was standing with her classmates, wearing the sparkling pink dress.
Her blonde hair was neatly brushed.
Her shoes were polished.
And her face was full of excitement.
When she spotted us, she waved.
"Grandma!"
I waved back.
Daniel smiled.
"That's my girl."
The celebration began.