Chuck (10) debuted in his first starring role on stage, albeit with much experienced practice of his "drama" skills off stage ;) He had the part memorized long before the performance was announced to the parent audience. Relief swept us as the anxiety filled "surprise" was announced. Schedules can be changed and costumes pulled out of thin air as any mom knows ;)...

Role of Jonathon:

Son of the miller who brings grain for johnny cakes to feed George Washington's starving troops. Bravely he wears his knickers through the snickers of some of the boys, feeling superior to those who didn't wear a costume. He remembers not only all of his lines, but mouths lines to other students who falter, but especially to those boys without costumes. He takes a proud bow just as his cape arrogantly flies in the face of those not destined to interprete the stage on his advanced level.

Ending:

It has clicked that you can be the center of attention and get applause for it too!

Proudly, he let me down gently last night about my less than successful attempt to make a yankee doodle hat. "Mom, I'll wear it anyway because you spent a lot of time trying to make it." So noble, yet audibly relieved, when I told him it was nothing.

Apparently On a Vicarious Roll Forward, Lori

PS- now if I can just get him to abandon those old holey shoes with the buckles...

I read your post and cried. The tears were tears that come when the heart suddenly swells with pride, relief, joy, vindication. In your anxiety were my fears, in your hope was mine, in that breathholding moment at the beginning I stood with you, in the light that shone from your child, mine twinkled too, and best of all, in your joy mine poured forth.

The path we travel can seem so hard. What others take so easily for granted, we struggle with, yet they can never celebrate with the sweetness we do. This journey is not what I would have chosen. I would not have had the wisdom to do so. I would not have known that the steep, rocky, unpredictable climb would take me to a place where I would turn the corner to have my breath taken at the beauty of the vista before me. I wouldn't have known to climb as part of a team. I wouldn't have known when to hold the rope and when to let go, to drive the crampons deep over the icy path and how to huddle together to survive when the blizzard winds blow. I continue on, as do we all.

Thank you Lori for sharing the vista with us. Those other folks don't know what they've missed.

--Carolyn (imagining our faces on the cover of National Geographic)