On Dance Fest & being a parent

The first evening of Dance Fest was a success! Bec's self choreographed piece was AWESOME and I was super impressed. I mean, most parents are proud of their kiddos, but this went above and beyond that. To be able to think up a dance and then execute it in a pleasing manner is WAY cool in this Mama's eyes! I think Bec was in 5 acts all together. It is such an intimate theater that you feel like you are on stage with them. The other pieces were interesting as well. There is a MUCHO amount of talent in that school.


As promised, Bec's self choreographed dance did bring tears. At the very end of the dance, my nephew's picture in full Marine dress was up on the big screen. Bec had warned her aunt to bring tissues and we all needed them. I told my SIL that Bec may not wear her heart on her sleeve, but she feels very deeply - down to her soul. She misses her cousin and wants him to always be safe. I know when J makes his way into the Marines, it will be sad times here. Just a short private discussion of it has brought Bec & I to tears together.

It's hard being a parent. I think most parents would agree to that statement, but it is even harder when your children start making their own decisions. You realize what little control you had over them has slipped away. Now, to be perfectly honest, my big(ger) kids are good kids. I've not had issues with drugs or drinking (except for J's *experimenting* which we became fully aware of shortly afterward on both accounts) and for that I'm extremely grateful. I also have kiddos who will talk to me. Heck, get them into a car alone and the tongues never stop wagging. I love that part. I've come to understand that while teenagers can sometimes drive me to distraction, I also have a heart for them. I appreciate their struggles and can empathize with most anything they are going through. Part of me is so thankful of all the turmoil I went through as a teen because I think that is what allows me to understand & empathize. I also have the privilege to watch my SIL let go of my nephew and allow him to be an adult. Gah. It's hard watching them fly, but so rewarding because you know you had a small part of making them who they are.