Our family, like many, is in the middle of May concert madness. So far we've enjoyed one orchestra concert (Jordan), the high school choir pop show (Madison), and the middle school choir pop show (Rebecca). Sunday we'll round out the week's activities with a piano recital. I used to dread this time of year, as in wake-up-in-the-middle-of-the-night-grinding-my-teeth kind of dread. But most of that anxiousness came from chasing toddlers and soothing babies during hours of playing and singing...not a task for the weak of heart. Now that my kids are all big, I can finally sit back and enjoy the festivities. And enjoy them I will! Hurray for festivities!
Perhaps noone enjoys the festivities more than my Rebecca. This girl is a performer. She started out small, giving family shows that included singing and speechifying, and she's never lost her thirst for the spotlight. She loves to sing, and she is not afraid to belt it out in front of large crowds...gotta give the girls props for nerves.
Several weeks ago she began searching for the perfect song. She practiced and practiced, arranged for lessons with an accomplished high school singer, worked on her costuming, and endured a try out. She was the only girl chosen for a solo. Go Becca!
I'll say this for her -- Becca enjoys every single step of the process. Yesterday after school she neatly packed every item for costume changes. She rechecked her bag several times. She asked for "stage makeup," and she had her hair curled by Jordan's friend, Rachel. This girl has it together. I just stand by and assist when needed.
And she did it. The middle school cafeteria was packed tight. Every chair was filled. People were sitting on the floor. People were standing all along the back and sides. And Becca marched herself to the front and sang "American Honey" by Lady Antebellum. I had to hold back the tears -- her being my baby and all. Afterwards she told me she was just "sad it was all over."
Here's where Becca and I part ways. I would have been SO RELIEVED to be done. I would have bemoaned ALL OF THE WORK. I would be ready to MOVE ON and stop worrying about the pop show. I learn stuff from my kids all of the time, and last night...Becca showed me what it means to enjoy the process. How is it that she knows more about how to live life at 13 than I do at 40? Sometimes being a mom is super cool.
I would have loved to have see Rebecca performing "American Honey." Please ask her not to put away her music and costume and to be prepared to sing for us while I am in Houston. I understand that Madison was pretty amazing, as well. I hope that she will also perform for us. Piano playing, speech giving, dancing, etc. etc. etc would be thrilling to observe. I am all about performance, and showing off your talent.
Posted by: rebecca Ellis | May 18, 2011 at 03:25 PM
Wow! What can I saw? What she (rebecca) said. I love it when you see that total pleasure in a performer. They can't stop themselves. Thank heaven she also has talent. Pretty good eyes too.
Posted by: Aunt Mary | May 18, 2011 at 11:38 PM