Perform With Them

You always hear about these “Mother/Daughter”, “Father/Son”, “Father/Daughter” or “Mother/Son” events where you get to join your kids in a special event/spectacle or performance, but most people roll their eyes when they hear about these “Special” days. I always dreaded them until I got to participate in ones where I got to see my kids love of an activity.

My Story:

Zoe initially started her love of skating as a hockey player – but her skates had pink laces and she loved her pink bubble-gum colored helmet. One day at the rink she saw the Heritage Figuring Skating club advertising for their spring show – and she fell in love with it. As a result of this, she was involved with the Heritage Figure Skating club doing numerous figure skating competitions as well as the occasional performance. I think this particular event occurred about three or four years ago.

A bunch of the local cities that offer skating lessons (almost all of them run by Janelle Wall, who by the way also gets her own story in the coming weeks) get together with the Heritage Figure Skating club to do a Spring show. Zoë was always excited about the spring show when she got to go out there and just perform as opposed to compete. – Truth be told, she always dreaded the competition because she wanted to cheer on her peers, but often had to compete against them. The mix of joy/agony really drained her… but these “show” events she loved.

This particular time, Zoe came home and told me with utter joy – “I’m doing three dances.” I was really excited for her and her joy was infectious. She continued, “and one more that I’m doing with you!” — Wait, what just happened? I was stunned. I looked at her and said, “Awesome” while I had a big lump in my throat. How did I get volunteer… voluntold for this? When I heard the practice scheduled I was even more frustrated. – Long sessions during a really busy set of weeks for me in the spring. How did I get this job? – Mom was just as available as me and it’s not like it’s a “Father/Daughter” thing… it was a “Parent/Child” number.

I remember dusting my skates off, and thinking this is going to suck. – In fact, I’d rather burn myself than do this… but sure enough, a few days later found myself at the rink lacing up. The practices were actually kind of fun… the parents laughed… during one of the “freestyle” moments of the numbers, most of our kids as figure skaters twirled while we just tried to avoid their skate blades.

The day of the show arrived. We waited backstage and had an exceptional performance. The best part for me was as we were doing the freestyle portion, Zoe caught and edge and I was able to pull her back to the ice as she lost contact with it. At the end of the performance, we skated off. Zoe kind of leaped to hug me – I nearly lost an edge and fell to the ice but luckily had the boards behind me to lean against. The hug meant a lot, but performing with my daughter meant so much more. Any more parent/child numbers? – Well, Sarah’s going to have to fight me for the spot.

How I practice it today:

As a parent, there are events that we dread and when you have your kids out there, you will dread too. – While you totally can dread certain ones (Recorder concerts and talent shows are notable allowed events to dread), enjoy these events and if you get a chance to perform with them, don’t miss the opportunity. Seeing their joy/excitement for something that they love and their love of you participating in it can’t be replaced/relived. My gift today, spending time with your kids is one thing, performing or joining them in their activities a whole different level. Don’t miss the opportunity no matter how inconvenient or how much it scares you.