One of the best sounds in the world, to me, is the sound of Jess and Andrew laughing together, which they do often. It is music to my ears. Jess has always been a Daddy's girl so I was delighted to hear that the very unique relationship between a daddy and daughter was going to be honoured and celebrated though a Daddy Daughter Dinner Dance on board the Africa Mercy.
It turned out to be quite the evening.
Some very creative minds worked together to make everything special, from the invitations to the preparations to the dance itself.
Andrew surprised Jess in the hallway outside our cabin with her invite, wrapped with twine around a small bouquet of flowers.
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On the back are the details of the dance but on the front Andrew had written, " Dear Jessie, I hope you can come to the dance with me, Love Daddy". |
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Obviously an occasion of such magnitude requires a lot of preparation. The Queens Lounge was converted into a pamper studio where all the girls on board, from the little tiny ones right up to the oldest teenage daughters on board, had their hair, makeup and nails attended to by some of the young women on board. Mum's could come for this bit! |
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Me helping Jess with her nails. What a proud mum I was too! |
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Having the gorgeous mane blow-dried! |
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Mummy and daughter selfie! |
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Almost ready! |
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Daddy and daughter ready for the dance! |
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One of our talented young photographers on board took some beautiful photos to capture the bond between father and daughter. Andy sure is a proud Dad! (Photo above and all photos below by Ryan Cardoza) |
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Sitting down for dinner. Chicken fingers and fries followed by an ice cream bar. Of course! |
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Toppings for the ice cream..... |
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Many of our young men on board, who are yet to be Dad's, offered up their time and talents to help out for the evening. Above, our ship's plumber Laurin played the piano and guitar. |
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Deckie Luke waits tables..... |
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Some of the guys who gave up their evening to help serve our families. You guys rock! |
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Going back in time...Jess dancing on her Daddy's feet. Dancing with Daddy "Dance with me Daddy! I take him by the hand, Like a prima ballerina, atop his shoes I stand. With my first and favourite partner, we glide across the floor, By the sparkle in his eyes, I know I'm loved and adored. He is charming and funny, he is big and strong, We laugh, I twirl and giggle, as I follow him along. We dance into each other's hearts, sweet memories of these days, Daddy and I will dance again, the day he gives my hand away." (Daddyncompany.com) |
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Aftermath...Jess and her two besties, Charlotte and Deborah. |
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