Private lives

Barbie in her elegant pink evening dress looks as fresh and glowing as she was the day of her owner's Sweet 16 birthday party. And years later, that glorious day is just as vivid in memory, too.

By DORIS IRIZARRY

© St. Petersburg Times, published March 26, 2000

[Times art: Rossie Newson]

My Barbie sits atop the jewelry armoire in my bedroom, dressed the lacy pink ballroom gown she wore 19 years ago, when I was sweet 16.

I wanted a Sweet 16 party, a traditional celebration among Hispanics. I chose 16 girls and 16 boys, ages 5 through 16, to be in my court. My birthday is in March, and I chose pastel colors of light blue, peach and cream for the girls' gowns. The boys wore navy tuxedos and pastel shirts.

My gown was dark pink, and flowers adorned my long hair. I chose pink because it represents sweetness and youth. My brother was my escort, though years later some of the guys who were in my court admitted they would have preferred to be in his shoes.

The church was reserved for a special Mass, a hall booked for the party. We hired a disc jockey and a band and arranged for aromatic food, a cake, drinks and special decorations.

I was nervous when my special day arrived. It was the first time I wore pantyhose, high-heeled shoes and makeup. My hair stylist also did my makeup. What a great feeling to be so pampered. I wished the day would never end.

The photographer took pictures of my family and me. Then we were off to St. Rose Church. How beautiful my court looked as each couple marched down the aisle according to age. As I listened to the choir sing a beautiful hymn, I held back the tears as my parents walked down the aisle before me. Then it was my turn to enter the church. I walked slowly, careful not to trip over my gown or wobble in my high heels.

I held on tightly to my bouquet of colored carnations, representing those in the gowns of the girls in my court. My parents were at my side as I sat in the middle pew before the altar. The priest who married my parents and baptized my brothers and me celebrated the emotional Mass.

When he gave me his final blessing, I approached the statue of Virgin Mary for a quick prayer and gave her my colorful bouquet. After the Mass, I walked under the arch of carnations that my court formed for me. I could no longer hold back the tears.

At the hall, I hid in a room until all the guests arrived. The moment came. Each couple in my court was introduced, then the band's drummer started the drum roll for my appearance. I received a standing ovation. I sat in a chair decorated with colorful paper tissue flowers, and each member in my court gave me a carnation.

The first dance was with my father, to De Nina A Mujer (From Girl To A Woman), my favorite ballad of my idol Julio Iglesias.

A special table held my cake, champagne glasses, souvenirs of my party and a beautiful Barbie, dressed in a pink gown. Her gown was covered with the memorabilia my mom and I made. These I gave to my guests as souvenirs of my grand day. Once the Barbie lost all the memorabilia, she was mine to take home.

I still cherish my Barbie as much as I do the memories of my Sweet 16 party. She reflects sweetness and beauty, as I see myself. She has seen me grow from a young woman to an adult woman.

-- Doris Irizarry lives in Tampa. Private Lives is edited by Mary Jane Park.

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