I said to Patricia, "Honey I still may not get it finished in time." Patricia said, "That's ok Grandma, I'll still be happy even if you don't, because I know you're really trying hard to do it for me!"

I suggested she try to locate another formal to borrow just in case I couldn't get it finished in time. Patricia emphatically stated, "No need to do that Grandma! I know you'll get if finished in time. I have lots of confidence in you, Grandma! You'll get it ready in time. I just know you will!"

I said a another silent pray."Dear Lord, please don't let me disappoint her. Please help me, Lord! I desperately need Your help!"

As I gathered the ruffles and started to pin them in place I realized that even without pins it was just falling into place. I skipped the pinning and just started sewing as fast as I could. Much to my delight it was going together almost like magic! "Oh, thank You, Lord!"

Soon I had the skirt joined to the bodice and was ready to tackle the zipper. Now zippers are not usually an easy task for me; therefore I generally pin the zipper in place by pinning it every inch or two, before I begin to sew.

I looked at the clock It was 6:20. I realized there was no time to pin anything! Again, I skipped the pinning and just started sewing. I stitched down one side and back up the other. Looking at it I realized that I couldn't have done a better job if I had taken an hour to pin and sew it.

It was like invisible hands had held it into place for me! I said, "Ah! Thank ,You Lord!"

The formal was to have bouffant sleeves, a sash which tied in a big bow in back, and frills were to go around the neckline. But since time was running out I just left the bodice plain and put spaghetti straps across the shoulders.

Before the next dance I'll add the other items; making it look like a different gown altogether.

When I handed the finished formal to Patricia I said a silent prayer, "Thank You, Thank You Lord!"

At 6:55 both girls were ready to go to the dance which was just a few blocks away.

Mary was wearing a beautiful royal blue tea-length formal. Patricia was wearing a floor length peach taffeta creation. They were beauties for our eyes to behold!

As they were about to leave Patricia turned to me and said, "Grandma, I feel just like Cinderella, who was magically decked out in a beautiful gown created by her Fairy Godmother!"

My reply,"Honey, the way that gown just fell together I almost felt like a Fairy Godmother!"