Gracie: May 2005 Archives

Thursday night Gracie was in a first grade program at school. She had been so excited about performing because this would be her debute as an actress/singer! I mean this is the beginning of her career! She wants to act and sing and dance on stage and entertain America when she grows up. How perfect was it that her first performance would be in a production of "Sing Across America"! She steps up to the microphone, smiles at the crowd of adoring fans gathered in the school auditorium. "My name is Gracie. Do you know how to spell America? "A" is for America!" She steps back and other letters come forward with their name but there was no letter in America that was belted out into the mic like that first letter "A"! She sang loud and kept a smile pasted on her little face exactly like a broadway star of her calibur should, except when she got lost in one song and forgot the words and picked it up in the next refrain. Afterwards I assured her that we heard HER above all of those other voices on stage. I sat among the throngs of rude adults who were talking loudly and not giving the children or the teacher who had worked so hard any respect. I came to see my child perform! Shut the hell up, I wanted to scream. However my child understands speaking from the diaphram and projecting her voice so I heard her very well over the crowd of RUDE, DISRESPECTFUL people filling the small school auditorium. As I sat and watched my child I did what every self respecting parent would do. I smiled, I laughed, I took photos and I wiped a few tears from the corner of my eyes. My dear child, so sweet and innocent, just jerks at my heart strings. I cry every time. Happy tears born of pride and awe that MY child worked so hard to learn 12 songs. She understood that her performance was a grand "Thank You" to all those who gave of themselves for this great nation we call home. She understood that heroes come in all shapes and sizes and from all walks of life. She also understood that men and women give their life to protect our freedom. She is an American. And she knows with that wealth there comes a great responsibility. "My name is Angie. "A" is for America!"