48 George Washingtons silently walk into the gymnasium. they have been practicing all week, not one of them cracks a smile or even turns towards the audience. they know exactly where they are supposed to be, quietly placing their chairs, the same ones they sit in at their desks in the classroom, on the floor and take their seats. still no major sounds, just the georges adjusting in their chairs and the audience shifting around trying to see their george. a few clicks from a camera and now some of the georges start to get up.
the audience is anxious. i see several moms and dads look to their neighbors and smile. i am sitting with my ex and our son is between us and we share a smile. i am thankful that he was able to make it, i know that our daughter will be thrilled that he came. our son is so excited to have both his parents on either side of him. it is a comforting feeling to know that we are both there sharing this moment of our daughter's life. it is important for our children to see that we both love them tremendously and can put our differences aside even if it is for just a few moments to support them.
a group of 6 maybe 7 georges form a line in front of all the sitting georges and wait. the audience quiets and its showtime. "Welcome to a celebration of this nation's first President, George Washington." my george is part of this opening act. she is standing perfectly still, very stoic and george-like. she is holding her notecard and waiting for her turn to speak. the microphone is passed to her and she is instantly red. oh she is just like her mother. although she is a complete goofball and will make a spectacle of herself anywhere, put the spotlight directly on her, and she freezes. she reads her card flawlessly and passes the microphone to the next george. the opening act is done and the georges take their seats.
48 four foot somethings take center stage, each reciting their factoid about George Washington. each george has on their paper bag wig with the white poly fiberfill glued to the bag to look like hair, complete with a pony tail. some of them are in the basic black pants and white shirt, this was the uniform we were asked to put them. one george is in his athletic shorts that he wears year round, another george has added epaulets to his jacket, and another george has on a red bolero jacket over her white blouse. they are the cutest things ever.
for some you can tell this was their first real experience public speaking. i always feel like i am going to vomit when i have to do it, not my forte, but they all do a fabulous job. some hold their notecards just in case they forget a line, and some are just so comfortable having all those eyes on them. my george's factoid comes at towards the end. my george was out riding his horse at the ripe old age of 67 got strep throat because he was out too long and died. i remember gasping when she read me her part the first time. i was thinking, "what you die?" and then "i didn't know that was how George died, interesting."
it was a great night. one of those ones you look forward to as a parent. being able to see the growth in this group of students is an incredible thing to witness. i feel very honored and priviledged to be a part, whether it is the little girl who is a regular at our house or just a familiar smile once a week from an adult who cares, of these kids lives. making my own kiddos day by sitting with their father is something that i hope will continue. being at ease with my own emotions sitting next to my ex was a triumphant moment for me.
No comments:
Post a Comment