The memories from my middle school years are all a blur now, except for 2 particular days that I’ll never forget. The first was when a girl from the wrong side of the tracks beat me up in 8th grade. I held my own but it wasn’t pretty. Then came the second most traumatic day…the talent show. I was not one who wanted to share any of my “talents”, especially among my peers, the toughest audience out there. Two days before the big show, my mom caught wind about the show and was emphatic about my participation. I had thought I had kept the flyer well hidden at the bottom of the backpack. I knew a few songs that I could play on the guitar, a bit of John Denver and Simon and Garfunkle. I had nothing cool in my repertoire like anything from The Police. So out came the grand-daddy of all horrific songs. In front of me was the sheet music for “Feeling Groovy” as well as three hundred kids who were ready for a good laugh. My friend, Michael Wohltmann, held the mic trying not cringe as I belted out “looking for fun and feeling groovy", to the best of my ability. To this day, he still ask me if I am feeling groovy and my face turns beet red. So when Kate came home 6 months ago and announced that she wanted do the talent show, I could feel my hands begin to sweat almost instantaneously. All I could remember was my own demise. We had just seen Wicked and for weeks, all I had heard coming from her room was the song "Popular". So with one day left of 6th grade, Kate would take the stage. For a girl that had never sang beyond the confines of the bathroom or her bedroom, this was monumental leap. Shyness would have to take a step aside and let a newcomer, Confidence take center stage. Her close friend and her "rock" Brit would be her partner in song. Together they took the stage and she shimmered in a pink gown. My good little “witch” sang her heart out and I felt none of the dread that I remember from my own experience. They were beautiful witches and based on the claps they received, they were in fact… popular. There is nothing better than having seen my reserved and shy girl show the strength and grace I have always known she has, but has often kept hidden. I hope she takes this experience with her and realizes that the star ahead of her shines brightly.
2 Comments
Linda
6/23/2011 09:29:47 am
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Linda
6/23/2011 09:33:08 am
Beautiful picture. So sorry that I missed the show. You must be so proud.
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