Persevering Through the Pause

Written by Writer Dad on November 16, 2009 - View Comments
Categories: Fatherhood

After three weeks of rehearsals, last Friday I finally sat to watch the fall talent show at our children’s school. Max didn’t participate, though I think he regretted his decision about five minutes after the first auditions were finished. He didn’t realize he’d have to spend every minute at the rehearsals anyway, but without the benefit of stage time. And believe me, that boy does love a good turn beneath the spotlight.

Mia decided to play her violin, choosing a medley of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Lightly Row. What I dearly loved about her performance was the perseverance she showed throughout the piece.

She knows the music well, can play it without pause, and did just fine through all her rehearsals and at-home practice. However, standing on stage and playing in front of a live audience is a different thing entirely then playing from the comfort of your living room, or at rehearsals among friends.

During the transition between Twinkle and the second part of the medley, she starts to lose it. A few seconds later and things really start to break. For me, this is where it gets good.

Mia took a deep breath and found her way through, which is not an easy thing to do when standing in front of a sea of held breath and flashing lights. Even more than the pride I felt watching her on stage, I loved the conclusion of the show when the winners were announced. Of course Mia was hoping to win first prize in the musician category, but she didn’t. That honor went to an adorable kindergartner who played through her own medley of songs on the xylophone, without a single slip.

Mia looked so genuinely happy for the little girl, it made me want to cry. Then I almost did when I saw her approach the tiny tot and give her a giant hug and heartfelt congratulations.

Later, her brother asked her if she was sad that she didn’t win. “No,” Mia said in her matter-of-fact way. “I made mistakes and the winner didn’t.”

Sometimes life is all about preparing for next time. I love that at seven years old, this is something our daughter already understands.

Enjoy!

Writer Dad

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  • At 7 years old, I would've probably either cried or broke out some fart jokes.

    She did well and congratulations for already grasping lessons most adults still have trouble with - recognizing your weaknesses and improving on them, rather than blaming others or hating on the winner.

    Thanks for sharing, and to Mia - that was lovely. You are talented and brave. I doubt I would've even had the courage to go on stage.
  • Joan Raskiewicz
    Priceless. And how mature of your little girl. I had a similar experience with my daughter and it never fails to amaze me how insightful children can be.
  • Hi Joan,

    Yeah, if we're willing to listen and learn, children can be our best teachers. I know both my son and daughter have taught me more on some days than months spent in a classroom!
    .-= Sean´s last blog ..Writing Prompt #2 =-.
  • Hi, Sean. Thank you for sharing. I'm glad I got to see it even though I was not there. Tell her I am very proud of her and there will be many more opportunities for her to win first prize. Being kind, generous of spirit and a good sport win a first place ribbon in life. She amazes me sometimes with her understanding and maturity in situations. That is a credit to you and Cindy, who have been wise enough to teach the kids how to make a difference in this world. Max will have his day to strut his stuff. He has the "ham" genes for sure. I still remember your always entertaining drama performances. I thought for sure your career would have been at the improv. love you,mom.
  • Hey Ma, you're welcome. I actually tried to email you the video from the auditorium, but it was WAY too big and the iPhone slapped me around a little before saying I don't think so. I had to host it on YouTube to make it work. Mia's maturity is staggering sometimes, I agree, and yes, Max has ham and cheese in his blood. I thought I'd end up in stand up or on stage as well, but the life of a writer is the best of that world I do believe, or at least I hope. : > )
    .-= Sean´s last blog ..Writing Prompt #2 =-.
  • Oh, that is rough! But I'm glad she'll be able to bounce back and has a healthy idea of what it means to be in a contest.
    .-= Hayden Tompkins´s last blog ..Marriage on The Brink =-.
  • Yeah, she's a really resilient little girl, and enjoys healthy competition whether she's the winner or not, which I love. Competition is good, so long as you don't lose yourself in it.
    .-= Sean´s last blog ..Writing Prompt #2 =-.
  • Trina
    Pure genius your little girl, pure genius.
  • (wink) I sure like to think so.

    : > )
    .-= Sean´s last blog ..Writing Prompt #2 =-.
  • Trina
    Pure genius that little girl, pure genius.
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