We had a special day in October this year, a Day of Dance in a neighboring city. It was an all day of workshops for the company kids. It was the first event for Abigail and I'm happy to say she did great. I was worried sick about her making through 5 hours straight of classes with out breaks. I had no idea if she would rebel with exhaustion, melt into tears or surprise me and push through. Well, she went with the latter. They started at around 1 oclock with a 30 min warm up then moved into class after class of ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical and hip hop. They didn't even give the kids a chance to eat (I wasn't thrilled about that) but between classes she would rush to me out of breath and smiling as I would literally shovel food as fast as I could into her mouth. Each class she would return to the floor still chewing. By the last class of the evening she was exhausted. She had dreaded the hip hop class all week knowing it was coming. It is her least favorite genre of dance. I was worried that since it was last she might try to get out of it. I just don't give her enough credit sometimes. She blew me away with the fun and swag she brought to that class. She loved the teacher, a dread locked young man with one of those flat billed ball caps was too cool for school to all those little girls. It wound up being her favorite class of the whole day. I have no idea where she found the energy for it but boy did she prove she had what it takes. She bounded out of there after awards and was high as a kite from it all. As promised I took her to Cracker Barrel and let her order the moon with more moon on the side to recharge her little body. I was proud as peach of her....again. The way home we had a sweet heart to heart. It was exhausting for me since the day also took it's toll on me, but she was frustrated that she didn't know it was all to earn scholarships at the end. I figured she knew when we taped a big number to her chest but she didn't. She was mad at herself for not trying harder all day. Then the exhaustion kicked in and she got down on herself. I didn't tell her about the scholarships on purpose. My goal was set lower, survive the day with out tears and make it through the hip hop class. My mistake. Never under estimate Abigail Grace. I assured her she put plenty of effort and gave it all she had through the day. It was good to get the hour drive home to hear her heart and give her all my attention. I love those times in our relationship. She barely drew a breath the whole drive. Luckily we ended with lots of laughs and silliness rolling back into town before we relayed it all to Daddy back at home.
Our school swept all 4 awards that day so I know we are in good company at this school. We were proud to be a part. She had so much fun and learned a lot once again from professional teachers. It's going to be a big year full of challenges for her and for me. I never want to ask too much of her but I have to balance this young little life of hers. You're only a child once. I don't want her to have any regrets later. It's a lot to juggle. Homework, dance, play with sister, social needs, spiritual needs, emotional needs. Brian and I have our work cut out for us. One day at a time. One year at a time we'll see what her wants and desires continue to be. For now, she wants it all so we run, race, drive, and play. We do our best to make our memories and soak it all in. We put her in places with opportunities and watch her grow and shine. A day of dance was a good start to the year. Who knows what God has in store for her this go round. I'm sure glad He's in charge!!!
