Have you been to a High School Talent Show lately? Its nothing like High School Musical. I'm telling ya.
Last night I went to the LHS talent show. My son was playing a piece by Rachmaninoff. He was towards the end of the 2 1/2 hour show in a stuffy, hot auditorium packed tight with hormone riddled teenagers and supportive parents.
It was like being in a Karaoke bar filled with love sick teenagers. Girls wobbled onto stage in ridiculously high heels. They would strike a pose, usually semi-sad, and wait for the sound track to start. The boys mostly played the guitar, same 3 chords, and sang songs about their girlfriends. The girl friends would scream.
It was much like the American Idol Auditions, complete with horrible performances. One couple sang about sex, whiskey, and suicide. It was the saddest song I ever heard at a High School. I started to feel like Simon, Paula, and Randy. I started to feel sorry for myself that I had to sit through hours of nervous, off key, emotional performances. Then I started to notice what was really going on.
Each act, no matter how nerdy, boring, or botched, got huge screaming applause. Performers entered the stage scared witless and left the stage feeling like THE American Idol. These kids were laying it out on the line and they were loved for it. Like the Grinch, my heart grew 2 sizes last night. I wanted to hug each girl and tell her how beautiful she was. I wanted to high five each boy and tell him, "Good job!".
I'm glad this was a show and not a contest. How could you declare a winner? Is it the kid who practices violin, piano, or guitar 2 hours a day and plays a perfectly breathtaking piece and gets a standing ovation? Or is it the kid who has never done this before, almost backs out at the last minute, maybe forgets a few lyrics, and gets a standing ovation?
Actually, I know who the winner was. Me.
11 comments:
You are such a good cheerleader for your kids. You are an ethusiastic and supportive mom. They are so lucky to have you!
I see some Young Women Leader traits coming out here....individual worth, divine nature...
What a great post. This is totally a Newsweek My Turn essay. I think you should submit it to Newsweek!
PS. Noah was the winner, you know he was. :)
That's one thing I love about you Robin, you're ability to see the good in everything. I love that you learn from all situations and your glass is half full. Thanks!
Awww... That was sweet! You are a good mom to teenage kids. You should have lots of teenage kids!
ok - I want to say that I wish I had gone with you but can't quite bring myself to.
Glad you are such a great mom!
I love this post. We need more judges like you in the world.
Hi Robin,
I read everything you write and am always impressed with your perceptions. With this one, you totally "took me there!" Your ability to allow the "shift" to happen is another indication of your intelligence, sensitivity, and all around wonderfulness! Do you ever listen to "This I Believe" on NPR public radio? Along with Newsweek, send your thoughts to NPR.
Love to you and all the Bossy Ones,
Melissa's Mom
I have been a judge for Liberty Idol the last two years, you're right...they play the angst card and the emo card etc...like sadness is something to be proud of and emulated. I don't get it. I would have totally voted for the Rachmaninoff piece in a second. I'll bet the kids there were stunned at how talented your boy is!! I tell you, you need to post a video!!!
Robin, you MUST MUST MUST just send this right off, as is, to the NPR This I believe and Newsweek My Turn. DO IT NOW! We are not saying this just to be nice. Sally and I read My Turn almost every week. Karen and I listen to NPR all the time. So we know what we're talking about.
I loved this essay.
I love it!! I am sure you enjoyed every minute!
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