The Song Remains the Same…
No matter your age or place in life, there is nothing more filling than the light of a child filled with pride. Kindergarten comes to an end but not without a celebration of the growth this past year held. I hurry with anticipation. I don’t want to be late. I have heard echoes of the songs in the evening as Ayla practices for her show. There are lots of parents and grandparents, friends and relatives all hoping for the best view. It’s odd. I typically have camera in hand and my phone as a backup. But I forgot both. And somehow I like this undisturbed focus I have on my daughter. She sees me and I see her and it is magic that lights our hearts.
She shyly glances down and around while nibbling gently on her bottom lip. I can sense her nervousness. The program begins and her shyness absolves in the joy she feels when she sings. This girl has soul! She is animated and heartfelt. I watch her, as proud as a mom can be, realizing she is not a baby anymore. At one point I realize that all the other kids are turned to the middle watching the teacher, but not Ayla. Her body language and physical positioning are that of her mom being sung a solo just for her. I LOVE this! I remember feeling that same way with my mom. As soon as I found her in the audience, I would sing just for her. A momentary pang fills my heart at the thought that she is missing this. She would have been front row no doubt. The program comes to a close with the spunkiest rendition of barnyard boogie I have ever heard. There’s my girl in front of them all…rooster hat on her head and feathers on her butt…boogieing away. The story may change a bit but the song remains the same. And it is a joy filled song.
