Every so often the cyclones of our schedules succeed in parting the cloudy detritus of our days long enough to illuminate, even if but for a moment, the gleaming wonder of all we’ve built alongside the promise inherent in a well articulated life.
A month ago, before the soothing respite of spring break, our family was over-committed to an ever mounting heap of long term undertakings amidst the grind of daily procedure and educational obligation. Our daughter Mia is enrolled in a ballet folklorico dance program at her school where she and a group of eager children are taught traditional Mexican folk dances. Mia wanted desperately to take part last year but had to wait until she was “finally” in first grade. Available spots were tight and Mia didn’t know if she’d make it. All she could do was braid her fingers, look to the sky and hope that fortune was feeling friendly.
His smile for her was wide the day she made it into the program. Cindy and I bought her the garments and implements necessary for proper twirling and Mia approached her practiced steps with the serious measure one might expect from a comic preparing for Letterman. After 3 months of diligent practice, it was time for the show. Mia couldn’t have been more excited, roses blooming on her cheeks whenever the words ballet or folklorico lit the conversation.
The week of the performance was hemlock for our family rituals, starting on the previous Saturday with an all day practice, then bleeding into the following week with practices stretching until 7:30 (Mia’s normal bedtime) before Cindy could so much as start her engine for the 30 minute drive back home. Practices went every day ending in Y until Friday came and it was time to tear the tickets.
The show was oversold and the auditorium filled with the elevated expectations of every mom and dad who had parted with their share of time or money to make it all possible. Max and I were seated in back, the last row in the room, beside Grammy and a family friend. Cindy was needed backstage and though we couldn’t have been further from the curtain, I felt fortunate to at least have a place to lean my tired head against the wall and knew I was better off than the dozens of parents standing in packs behind me.
The lights dimmed and Spanish started to float through the room like feathers lost to wind. We were treated to a brief introduction for each of the Mexican regions birthing the dances, including the area where both my grandparents, Honey and Papi lived before leaving to carve opportunity from the states above them.
Finally, the Michoacan dance was announced and the first graders flooded the stage.
Mia twirled onto the stage behind the other dancers, like the final curve at the bottom of an apostrophe, and spent six or seven seconds scanning the audience until she found me. In a darkened room, congested with hundreds of branches from dozens of family trees, my daughter found my eyes and held them. It was almost painful, her spinning across the stage in perfect time with the music, like a million memories all at once that only the deepest part of me could ever hope to process.
My daughter danced for me, and not for a sliver of a second was there pause in her performance. She gilded my vision, gliding across the stage in well practiced pirouettes; the two of us in concert, rocking back and forth in what we both surely felt was a someday reminiscence.
My daughter danced for me, and in those flickering moments everything else was tucked neatly beyond concern. Not the stress of the week nor the million bits of minutia that constantly litter my mind could do a thing to pull me from our silent promise.
My daughter danced for me and gave me the singular reminder that perhaps only children can, and only when you let them. Life is far too short. Even my Papi at 99 years young didn’t get nearly enough. Time is finite. No moment, no matter how glorious or horrible, can ever be repeated.
Sometimes our time is a tornado and sometimes a placid sea. It is up to each of us to recognize our surroundings and know we will never pass that way again.
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About Sean Platt
Oh my goodness. Beautiful!
Oh my goodness. Beautiful!
…my daughter found my eyes and held them. It was almost painful, her spinning across the stage in perfect time with the music, like a million memories all at once that only the deepest part of me could ever hope to process.
Beautiful. Truly beautiful. This is my favourite kind of Writer Dad writing. I’ve been waiting for this post since you and Cindy both mentioned that magical weekend!
…my daughter found my eyes and held them. It was almost painful, her spinning across the stage in perfect time with the music, like a million memories all at once that only the deepest part of me could ever hope to process.
Beautiful. Truly beautiful. This is my favourite kind of Writer Dad writing. I’ve been waiting for this post since you and Cindy both mentioned that magical weekend!
Your daughter is a lucky young lady to have a dad like you. It’s clear that you two have a great relationship. Isn’t it great when something simple and beautiful takes you out of yourself, out of your day to day worries? Kids are amazing in their ability to do just that. :-)
Your daughter is a lucky young lady to have a dad like you. It’s clear that you two have a great relationship. Isn’t it great when something simple and beautiful takes you out of yourself, out of your day to day worries? Kids are amazing in their ability to do just that. :-)
Life is a dance and your little girl did it just for you. This is the kind of father/daughter memory that sustains a girl forever. A lovely snapshot of your life.
Life is a dance and your little girl did it just for you. This is the kind of father/daughter memory that sustains a girl forever. A lovely snapshot of your life.
Emily: Thanks Emily! I was misty when I wrote it a few days ago and just read it again for the first time. I got misty all over again.
Janice: That’s precisely why I wanted to clear the table around here; this is my favorite kind of Writer Dad writing too. I wanted to be able to do it with more consistency. This particular post has been rattling around my head for a while, so it felt wonderful to finally write it.
Mary: Absolutely. I’m fortunate that I have two wonderful children who remind me of the brevity of life with every breath.
Paisley: Thanks! I feel rather confident that it was a handful of seconds neither one of us will ever forget. Verbal snapshots… I like that… a lot.
Emily: Thanks Emily! I was misty when I wrote it a few days ago and just read it again for the first time. I got misty all over again.
Janice: That’s precisely why I wanted to clear the table around here; this is my favorite kind of Writer Dad writing too. I wanted to be able to do it with more consistency. This particular post has been rattling around my head for a while, so it felt wonderful to finally write it.
Mary: Absolutely. I’m fortunate that I have two wonderful children who remind me of the brevity of life with every breath.
Paisley: Thanks! I feel rather confident that it was a handful of seconds neither one of us will ever forget. Verbal snapshots… I like that… a lot.
It is in these moments that you are have your greatest voice. Simply lovely, Sean. You made the time stop. Must get kleenex now.
It is in these moments that you are have your greatest voice. Simply lovely, Sean. You made the time stop. Must get kleenex now.
I’m so glad you shared this moment with us. I know that Mia will treasure this post when she is older.
Thanks for the smile this morning!
Accolades for using your talents to capture this memory and invigorate others with the emotions it evoked. I can hear the music… :)
Accolades for using your talents to capture this memory and invigorate others with the emotions it evoked. I can hear the music… :)
{HUG}
I am so glad this went well; I know Mia was looking forward to rocking it. (You go, Mia!!) I get the feeling you didn’t realize how much you would be touched by watching her dance.
I can tell you that, to this day, the memories of my recitals are one of the few things my father and I can share in unadulterated joy. There was no pain there, ever. My dearest hope is that you attend every single dance thing she ever does and have this moment every time.
P.S. I would suggest getting video of her recitals. I’m sad that I have none of my own.
{HUG}
I am so glad this went well; I know Mia was looking forward to rocking it. (You go, Mia!!) I get the feeling you didn’t realize how much you would be touched by watching her dance.
I can tell you that, to this day, the memories of my recitals are one of the few things my father and I can share in unadulterated joy. There was no pain there, ever. My dearest hope is that you attend every single dance thing she ever does and have this moment every time.
P.S. I would suggest getting video of her recitals. I’m sad that I have none of my own.
Beautiful, as always…
Sean,
To call you a writer is truly an injustice. You are a storyteller. You have a gift – thank you for blessing me with it.
Excuse – must go redo makeup now. Sniff.
Beautiful, as always…
Sean,
To call you a writer is truly an injustice. You are a storyteller. You have a gift – thank you for blessing me with it.
Excuse – must go redo makeup now. Sniff.
Betsy: Yes, it was wonderful to return to this type of prose. I hope to be able to write something of this caliber once a week or so. It’s what got me online and I could never bare to abandon it.
Tracy: I was actually going to read it to her last night, but honestly, my little Mia was a little full of herself. : > )
Gina: Thanks, Gina. The music’s been playing in my head now for a couple of weeks. I hope it never stops.
Hayden: I had no idea really. I mean, I knew I’d enjoy it, but the unceasing eye contact across the stage was something else entirely. They film all the recitals on video and then sell the DVD’s for $5. Of course we have a copy. Unfortunately, this particular performance was from the first night and the video was shot on the second. Still, it’s awesome and one.
Kool Aid: Thank you, as always… : > )
Sandra: Thank you, Sandra. That is a high compliment. I sniff sniffed when I wrote it and later when I read it to Cindy. There is something deeply touching in this one I realize. Thank you for seeing it.
Betsy: Yes, it was wonderful to return to this type of prose. I hope to be able to write something of this caliber once a week or so. It’s what got me online and I could never bare to abandon it.
Tracy: I was actually going to read it to her last night, but honestly, my little Mia was a little full of herself. : > )
Gina: Thanks, Gina. The music’s been playing in my head now for a couple of weeks. I hope it never stops.
Hayden: I had no idea really. I mean, I knew I’d enjoy it, but the unceasing eye contact across the stage was something else entirely. They film all the recitals on video and then sell the DVD’s for $5. Of course we have a copy. Unfortunately, this particular performance was from the first night and the video was shot on the second. Still, it’s awesome and one.
Kool Aid: Thank you, as always… : > )
Sandra: Thank you, Sandra. That is a high compliment. I sniff sniffed when I wrote it and later when I read it to Cindy. There is something deeply touching in this one I realize. Thank you for seeing it.
Wow, that`s beautiful. I don`t have kids so I can`t say I know what it feels, but I danced ballet for a really long time and there was nothing more gratifying than catching the eyes of my parents sitting there, smiling. It`s an unbelievably magical feeling :) Your writing warmed my heart, thanks
Wow, that`s beautiful. I don`t have kids so I can`t say I know what it feels, but I danced ballet for a really long time and there was nothing more gratifying than catching the eyes of my parents sitting there, smiling. It`s an unbelievably magical feeling :) Your writing warmed my heart, thanks
As a dancer, I can only hope I bring this much magic to the audience members when I perform in a couple of weeks. That’s the goal for every performance… to allow the audience to walk away with a sense of fantasy and joy. :)
As a dancer, I can only hope I bring this much magic to the audience members when I perform in a couple of weeks. That’s the goal for every performance… to allow the audience to walk away with a sense of fantasy and joy. :)
wonderful word weave, truly did the father/daughter bond justice.
wonderful word weave, truly did the father/daughter bond justice.
I can still remember what it felt like to be dancing up on stage during my K-12 experience. Looking at the audience, being under lights, and moving my body to the music. Sometimes I still miss that sensation.
I can still remember what it felt like to be dancing up on stage during my K-12 experience. Looking at the audience, being under lights, and moving my body to the music. Sometimes I still miss that sensation.
This was a magical post that captured our moment in a time capsule. Brilliance at its BEST. Write On, WriterDad.
This was a magical post that captured our moment in a time capsule. Brilliance at its BEST. Write On, WriterDad.
Rosa: I’m thrilled my writing warmed you, Rosa. Thank you for telling me so.
Allison: Hey there, Allison! Nice to see you. It’s all about eye contact. Mia never broke it and I’ll never forget.
Trina: Thanks, Trina. I can say with this post I truly did my best.
Stacey: I’ve never been on stage like that before, so I can only imagine. Mia did it once before when she was 3, but it was in a ginormous theater rather than a tiny school auditorium. Eye contact would have been impossible.
Cindy: You know I love it when you call me brilliant, Baby! XOXO
Rosa: I’m thrilled my writing warmed you, Rosa. Thank you for telling me so.
Allison: Hey there, Allison! Nice to see you. It’s all about eye contact. Mia never broke it and I’ll never forget.
Trina: Thanks, Trina. I can say with this post I truly did my best.
Stacey: I’ve never been on stage like that before, so I can only imagine. Mia did it once before when she was 3, but it was in a ginormous theater rather than a tiny school auditorium. Eye contact would have been impossible.
Cindy: You know I love it when you call me brilliant, Baby! XOXO
These “little” things are really the big things in life, yes? It is so good that you live in them, fully aware of their value. Kudos to your little girl. : )
These “little” things are really the big things in life, yes? It is so good that you live in them, fully aware of their value. Kudos to your little girl. : )
How absolutely stunning and beautiful — your words, as well as the vision of you watching Mia dance for you, Sean!
I was a future ballerina (OK, so a wannabe ballerina) when I was Mia’s age, also performing recitals for my parents. So as I enjoyed your description I wondered what they experienced when they saw me dance. I only wish I could ask them now. :-(
“Life is far too short. Even my Papi at 99 years young didn’t get nearly enough. Time is finite. No moment, no matter how glorious or horrible, can ever be repeated.” Yes, time is one of our most precious resources, not to be taken for granted and made the most of each day.
Thank you deeply for this wonderful post!
How absolutely stunning and beautiful — your words, as well as the vision of you watching Mia dance for you, Sean!
I was a future ballerina (OK, so a wannabe ballerina) when I was Mia’s age, also performing recitals for my parents. So as I enjoyed your description I wondered what they experienced when they saw me dance. I only wish I could ask them now. :-(
“Life is far too short. Even my Papi at 99 years young didn’t get nearly enough. Time is finite. No moment, no matter how glorious or horrible, can ever be repeated.” Yes, time is one of our most precious resources, not to be taken for granted and made the most of each day.
Thank you deeply for this wonderful post!
What a privileged moment you, Mia, and your family have shared! Your enhancement of it with this beautiful post will make sure it will be remembered for a lifetime.
As a music teacher I have seen recitals from both sides, and aside from the occasional disaster, they are magic for both the participants and their families. After the last note has ended, after the last snapshot has been taken, there is left a lifetime memory of the special bond between the child and the family that has been expressed through the artistic expressions of the youngest of the long family line.
Thank you for a wonderful post!
What a privileged moment you, Mia, and your family have shared! Your enhancement of it with this beautiful post will make sure it will be remembered for a lifetime.
As a music teacher I have seen recitals from both sides, and aside from the occasional disaster, they are magic for both the participants and their families. After the last note has ended, after the last snapshot has been taken, there is left a lifetime memory of the special bond between the child and the family that has been expressed through the artistic expressions of the youngest of the long family line.
Thank you for a wonderful post!
What a beautiful post and a magical moment. I could visualize everything like I was there. By the way, what is Twitter?
What a beautiful post and a magical moment. I could visualize everything like I was there. By the way, what is Twitter?
Karen: I try to sink deep into my moments. I don’t always succeed of course, but even when I fail at least I know I’m failing. : > )
Linda: My pleasure, Linda. It is nice to see you. Even though the evening was about Mia, it was impossible to divorce myself from the memory of my grandparents. They would have just loved to see her dance those traditional Mexican dances.
Mike: Ha, I bet a music teacher’s seen it ALL! The post was my pleasure. Thank YOU for appreciating it.
Karen: Twitter is amazing if you need it and probably a GINORMOUS time waster if you don’t. I’d say it’s like Facebook on speed. Jason might be able to use it for his work, perhaps, but it will make you want to run to your bookshelf I imagine. : > ) It’s basically a giant conversation without a beginning or end that never ceases. You do get decide who you listen to though and that’s a good thing.
Karen: I try to sink deep into my moments. I don’t always succeed of course, but even when I fail at least I know I’m failing. : > )
Linda: My pleasure, Linda. It is nice to see you. Even though the evening was about Mia, it was impossible to divorce myself from the memory of my grandparents. They would have just loved to see her dance those traditional Mexican dances.
Mike: Ha, I bet a music teacher’s seen it ALL! The post was my pleasure. Thank YOU for appreciating it.
Karen: Twitter is amazing if you need it and probably a GINORMOUS time waster if you don’t. I’d say it’s like Facebook on speed. Jason might be able to use it for his work, perhaps, but it will make you want to run to your bookshelf I imagine. : > ) It’s basically a giant conversation without a beginning or end that never ceases. You do get decide who you listen to though and that’s a good thing.
I KNOW she was dancing for her Daddy! Such a beautiful Moment!
The Love between a Father and his baby girl!
AHH! “like a million memories all at once that only the deepest part of me could ever hope to process.” Well Said! This Love is SO deep and overwhelming. You found the perfect way to say it!. It is so precious, that sometimes it is almost too much to take in all at once! We are so lucky to be available to experience that kind of Love!
“Not the stress of the week nor the million bits of minutia that constantly litter my mind could do a thing to pull me from our silent promise.”
Again. The perfect words to express this moment! Only this Love can pull us in and stop time, if only for a moment!
I KNOW she was dancing for her Daddy! Such a beautiful Moment!
The Love between a Father and his baby girl!
AHH! “like a million memories all at once that only the deepest part of me could ever hope to process.” Well Said! This Love is SO deep and overwhelming. You found the perfect way to say it!. It is so precious, that sometimes it is almost too much to take in all at once! We are so lucky to be available to experience that kind of Love!
“Not the stress of the week nor the million bits of minutia that constantly litter my mind could do a thing to pull me from our silent promise.”
Again. The perfect words to express this moment! Only this Love can pull us in and stop time, if only for a moment!
Really lovely. My favorite part, like Teena’s, is this:
“My daughter danced for me, and in those flickering moments everything else was tucked neatly beyond concern. Not the stress of the week nor the million bits of minutia that constantly litter my mind could do a thing to pull me from our silent promise.”
Thanks for reminding us all what matters in our busy lives.
Really lovely. My favorite part, like Teena’s, is this:
“My daughter danced for me, and in those flickering moments everything else was tucked neatly beyond concern. Not the stress of the week nor the million bits of minutia that constantly litter my mind could do a thing to pull me from our silent promise.”
Thanks for reminding us all what matters in our busy lives.
Teena: Teena my dear, we need to put you on an exclamation point diet!!! : > ) Thank you as always and I was proud to have you sitting next to me.
Kristin: My pleasure. What is life but a collection of moments? They are ours to treasure or abandon, but the decision is entirely ours.