Kate has been working hard all summer as one of the children's chorus in a local production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat. The result came in the form of three shows this Wednesday through Friday. The first day, she was so nervous, she never smiled once, was very tentative, and told us she didn't like it at all. And believe it or not, she has always been very self - conscious when she is the center of attention in a large group, and getting up and performing has been a very, very hard thing for her to do. Our response was that everyone gets nervous, and that the only things she had to do to make us happy were to: (1) try hard and (2) have fun. She received a ton of family support on Thursday night (THANKS FAM!) and began to enjoy herself, and by Friday, when I took these pictures, she was an old pro, having a great time and really getting into the show.
She was so at ease during the middle of the Friday show, that as she she and her group were out in the audience isles waiting to go up on stage, she nudged up close to my seat and whispered "Dad, make sure you get a picture of Joseph, I have a crush on him!" Hence this photo. I didn't bother mention that at 13 he was waaaay too old for her. She knows the age difference between her mother and I and wouldn't hesitate to use it against me. I am in so much trouble.
At the end of the show, I walked up to tell her how proud I was, because she had tried hard and had fun. Big softy that I am, I started to cry. Can you believe that? Sometimes I wonder if I am not genetically descended from a jellyfish -- no backbone whatsoever. But I really was just tickled that she had faced what for her was a really big fear, and had been able to smile through it and enjoy herself. She is a great girl and I am a very lucky, even if totally pathetic and schmaltzy, dad.
7 comments:
Love this post and the ones of "Heaven"!
You're not spineless, but your heart sometimes overpowers your spine. I feel the same way. The other day I was sitting in the lobby of the hotel just beeming at a picture of my kids on my laptop screen. Apparently some of the other guests wanted to know what was so moving and walked by to peak at my screen. We're both just shamelessly in love with those little rascals.
I honestly could never get why Kate is so shy and inhibited on stage. She's one of those kids that is so incredible that you just assume she'd want to be incredible for everyone to see. I think it's kind of endearing how shy she gets. I do however have several beautiful memories of her facing her fear of the audience in Primary. That little girl is one amazing kid!
Good job Kate! Ry and I loved that we could see your debut and you did a fab job! Glad the other preformances went well too!
I had no idea Kate had a shy bone in her body! But I think that's so wonderful that she was able to face her fear and in the end, have a great time. Your comment about descending from a jellyfish made me laugh out loud over here. I had to explain to Tyler what was so funny. We miss you guys! Thanks for letting us peak in on your family via the blog.
I would have NEVER, in a million years, pegged Kate for a shy one. And I think Wayne and I both have a little jellyfish in us too. You'd think by now the novelty would have worn off, but even now we both find moments to tear up over our boys.
Kate shy?? Why does that make me laugh ; ) I think that if I looked at my family history, I might find a jellyfish or two hidden in the mix, so don't feel bad!
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