Sometimes, the best things in life come when you least expect them. My life took a drastic detour in late 2022 when I made the decision to apply for a part-time job at Publix, a premier supermarket chain in the southeastern United States. I was scared to death. Having never worked outside the home, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into, but in early 2023, I was hired and soon garnered fame among my customers and co-workers as the perpetually upbeat cashier.
Trademark to Publix is their carryout service, a job performed by our front service clerks, better known as baggers. And this is where my tale begins ! It was at Publix that I became acquainted with Jacob, the bagger with special needs who had a penchant for people’s clothing, tattoos, and painted nails. He would make me laugh to the point that my face felt like it had been permanently stretched as he effusively complimented the throngs of customers on their ordinary outfits and unabashedly inquired if their sprawling tattoos had given them any pain. For every Publix customer story that I would bring home from work, there would be just as many “Jacob” stories to tell my family.
Six weeks into my job, I discovered that I knew Jacob’s mother from P.E.O., which left me stunned. But that wasn’t all─ a week later I received an even bigger bombshell: Jacob was from Russia. Ever since I began teaching myself Russian in late 2015, I had prayed for God to send me a friend from Russia in His perfect timing. Apparently, my prayer had been answered.
The revelation rocked my world. Jacob was adopted from Russia at 18 months old with the given name of Ilja, which was retained as his middle name. Instantaneously, we became the best of friends, spending time together whenever possible. It is with utmost endearment that I call him my Ilja and in turn, he calls me his Masha.
When I heard about Night to Shine, the special needs prom sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, I begged Jacob to take me. Because I was homeschooled in high school, I never had the opportunity to attend prom. And so, at 30 years old, I attended my first prom as a Buddy.
Imagine my surprise when Jacob presented me with a live flower corsage. It was beautiful ! And for those wondering, I still have that corsage.
Wearing the dress I had sewn for Lohengrin, I further accentuated the sparkling shoulders by adding a thin rhinestone belt.
After my King was crowned (I was not permitted to wear a crown as a Buddy), we walked the red carpet in a wave of celebration put on by the paparazzi.
The atmosphere was incredible ! I was so impressed by the efforts of the volunteers to make the event special for everyone. We ate a boxed meal, cheered as the rest of the guests paraded in, and then made our way to the next destination: the photo booths.
Decorating the draped tables nearby were a menagerie of props and accessories to liven up the photo strips that were printed on the spot. Jacob and I had lots of fun choosing our props and poses.
Of course, we had to take a picture with cardboard Tim Tebow. Like every other mom in America, my mother always wanted me to marry the star athlete.
Karaoke came next. Jacob made everyone cry when he sang “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe. Then, we both took to the microphones to belt out Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” with choreographed dance moves. What a blast !
We danced the YMCA…
…joined the Conga line…
…and played the air guitar.
I loved being on the arm of someone so sweet.
Night to Shine was one of the most magical experiences of my life. Not only did it exceed my expectations of what prom would be like, but the impact that it had on the kings and queens was truly awesome. A big ‘thank you’ goes to the countless volunteers who made the evening such a success.
As thus, my tale has come to its dreamy end. The moral of the story is, be careful what you pray for; you might find yourself wrapped in a joy beyond compare.
Toi, Toi, Toi,
Mary Martha
P.S. There’s a video !! Watch to see the action unfold in real time.
https://fb.watch/sDsOug4JHm/
Costume Closet Couture 
What a lovely experience, Masha! Better than most people’s ordinary prom nights!
— Jess
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Oh my gosh! Could someone please pass the Kleenex!? This is the best thing ever!
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The video makes me cry every time. There were so many moments during the event that I had to pull myself together, emotionally. Nobody wants to see mascara running down someone’s face !
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You are an inspiration!! And now your Ilja has made it big in the blogosphere. Well done, MM!
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I told him he was going to be famous. “Am I going to be in Times Square ?” he asked me.
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That was so precious! Such a special friendship! Loved seeing all the pictures!
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How absolutely adorable, both of you! I know your friendship is special and these pictures reflect every bit of the magic. Thank you for all you do for Jacob and thanks to him for bringing such a special smile to your face. Blessings to you both! How fun.
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This was so fantastic to read! What a great co-worker and what a great night! You both look great.
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Thank you, Deborah ! Jacob is one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. Glad you enjoyed it.
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WAY TO GO, Masha and Ilja! What an unforgettable experience and such a sweet friendship you have. Live it up! ❤️👏
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I love this so much‼️❤️
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I love that you were a part of the evening !
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I LOVE YOUR BLOG! And your amazing friendship with Jacob ☺️❤️ You are a beautiful person inside and out and a very talented woman all the way around!
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Thank you ! I love seeing you and Matthew come down my line at Publix.
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Hi Mary Martha, I am delighted to hear from you again by email and to learn you are back to your fantastic sewing. I must admit, I have never heard of the term Betty Dress before but now that I have your photos of that style it does indeed look very familiar and comfortable, especially in this climate.
You certainly displayed your remarkably creative talents in using the three varieties of fabric for the range of more casual attire all the way to semi-formal. What a lovely spot there in what appears to be a garden area where you attended the wedding in that beautiful outfit.
I hope we will be in touch soon again. Would you and your mom and brother be coming to the Lake of the Hills Community Club Thanksgiving dinner on Tuesday by any chance? I understand your mom is going to all the trouble of making a large turkey plus a fantastic dessert for the occasion. I have a number of friends looking forward to being there and sharing our side dishes, enjoying the good company and fellowship. Also it will be so interesting to hear Andy Blair tell us all the details about and updates of the Refuge on the Ridge. I have always wanted to learn more about what they actually do there which seems so worthwhile and enables the preservation of the Chalet Suzanne acreage and buildings thankfully. I hope to see you and your family there but I seem to recall you dad will not get back from his island work until later in the week. If having dinner at 2:00 on Tuesday would not seem to work for you all perhaps you could still come at 3:00 to hear Andy Blair’s comments about the Refuge?
Warmest Wishes Always, Johanna
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