I suppose all parents feel the same way watching their little ones perform on stage; excited, nervous, anxious and proud all at the same time. Well, tonight I watched Nicholas perform at his school's Christmas program and it was the best Christmas program EVER! Sure I might be biased but what did you expect?
But the performance was more than just a performance. It was a realization that he is making his way in this world. First, when we arrived, a teacher from his school whisked him away to the staging area. Now, I am not a "helicopter parent" by any means. A drone or a spy plane maybe. But definitely not a helicopter. I don't hover. I just want to know what is happening. I don't hover for the sake of hovering. I need information. Information that tells me my son is okay or if he needs me. Well him being in the staging area away from me resulted in some anxious moments.
But, when he emerged on stage all confident and went through his performance with the rest of the maybe 30 plus other kids, I was all smiles and expectant. And upon seeing me in the audience made him smile sweetly too.
Watching him though made me grin broadly and even though he was in a large group, he made himself stand out. Almost like he was saying "I can take on the world, in my own way." The cool part is when the performance was completed and all kids were delivered back to their parents, he leaped up in my arms with joy. That made me feel good; like I was still needed.
So this performance was more than just a Christmas program. It was a reminder that my son is no longer a baby, not quite a man; but now a little boy, growing up and making his way among the sea of faces.
