The First Last that Hurt

A senior year is all about goodbyes and last experiences.  Both the student and the parents are aware of this as the year begins.  I was aware of this when child #1's senior year began.  We had spent the summer talking and visiting colleges; it was in the forefront of my mind.  Many little 'last times' have come and gone since August.  A few tears have leaked out, there have been some emotional hugs shared.  The fall play was a serious, tear jerker of a play 'The Diary of Anne Frank' so that was an emotional roller coaster all by itself.  When the show closed and child #1 had completed her last play on the Duchesne stage it was sad, but the spring musical was still ahead so it was easier to hold the emotions in check.

The spring musical was 'Swing Time Canteen' a USO based musical filled with great wartime 1940's music, though not much story line.  I took on the job of costuming and my dear friends Jodi and Linda jumped in for hair and make up.  This job gave me a back stage pass for all dress rehearsals and the shows.  It was fun to see the back stage side of my daughter.  She had so many tasks and roles to fill behind the scenes.  I was proud before the curtain opened.

Two shows done and the Saturday night final pre show ritual of her career came about.  Child #1 held strong.  I was surprised but figured she was putting on her best professional front and time was crunched; not much time for tears.

And just when I thought it was time to relax and enjoy another 'last one' my lovely first born stood to sing 'Keep the Home Fires Burning' and her voice broke.  And sure enough right on cue, my tears fell.  Just when I had regained my composure the entire cast lined the steps in front of the stage and sang a beautiful harmonized arrangement of 'Beyond the Blue Horizons.'  More tears.  And I knew that song and staging were coming.

For eight years this lovely girls has been involved in the theater with her father or mother.  Three shows at Brownell in grades 5,7 and 8.  And 8 shows, two per year, with her father at Duchesne.  It has been a family affair.  A labor of love.  A beautiful tradition.  One that she had to earn each time through auditions and call backs.  One that she never took for granted.
And Saturday night, March 1, it came to a close.  She was lovely, engaging and enormously talented on stage and I was as proud as ever.  These opportunities to see her perform have come and gone much too soon.

Each lives in my mind as though it were yesterday.  I hope her tomorrows bring me more such memories.  I am truly a blessed mother.