Slays

Joy Ryan, President/CEO

“Hey Joy,” Etta called from down the hallway where she was working with a therapy dog, “Your fit slays.”

She’s 15.

Every generation creates its own fashion sense… and its own slang.

“Cat’s meow” and flapper dresses in the 1920s.

“Daddy-O” and poodle skirts in the 1950s.

“Da-bomb” and rebellious grunge in the 1990s.

“Adulting” and athleisure in the 2010s.

And now?

Etta is wearing olive green cargo pants, a cute pink t-shirt, and Crocs. Her hairstyle is meant to look messy and her glasses are some shade of purple. We’ve visited a couple times, and I know her life has been hard… very hard. She came to us sullen, angry, mistrustful, and suicidal.

Today she is grinning. She looks adorable.

Being able to communicate is a key part of any relationship, so I stopped and thought about her words. “Fit” is outfit, for those who are uninitiated into today’s teen talk. “Slays” means “is very good.” After that moment of translation in my mind, I smiled and said, “Really? That makes me feel very happy.” In response, she gave me two thumbs up.

First, I need to point out that I am “at-least” grandparent age for the children at the Ranch. Second, I pretty much dress for my age and role. I wear blue jeans on Fridays sometimes, but much of the week I try to dress professionally. I think it is good for the kids to see that someone can be dressed up and still be kind and friendly.

That day, I was wearing a simple black and white polka dot dress and black and white shoes. And, for whatever reason, my outfit made this young girl, with her own fashion sense and language, reach out from within her own healing to offer a compliment.

I love these kids.

Please keep the children and staff of Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch in your prayers.