In a program to showcase the Utah History they have studied this year, the 4th graders at Sunrise Elementary put on a program for parents last week. Dressed in a mix of western duds, fur trader outfits, Native American costumes and pioneer clothes, they danced, sang, and spoke about Utah History. 
The recorders? No, those aren't a part of Utah History, just a part of the 4th grade cirriculum. They were so proud to show parents what they have learned.And as happens so many times in performances where Joie is involved, I find myself in the middle of this one fighting back tears which threatened to spill from my eyes. Smiling one minute at the hilarity of children dressed in various costumes playing recorders, and realizing the next that beloved family members weren't there to share the moment...
So I fight back the tears, aware that if I actually do cry, no one around me will understand why an ensemble of recorder weilding 4th graders could move me to tears. Then in that same moment I know, like I've known so many times before that they are there, her family, as they so frequently are. I feel a sense of gratitude at that thought, this time fighting back tears for a different reason.
I take a deep breath, and return my thoughts to the present, where Joie sits beaming at me from beneath the brim of her pioneer bonnet. I give her the thumbs-up sign. In that moment, all is right with the world and with one very pretty, little, would-be pioneer girl. "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the 'present.' " (As quoted by Oogway in Kung Fu Panda)
2 comments:
I'm not sure you'll ever not feel those tears so close. I still do when I stop and think that there are people missing every time I attend a program or have a special event. Just hang onto the fact that they are there, we just can't see them.
Joie is growing up so fast. She looks adorable in that bonnet.\
I would feel the same way. Roller coaster of emotions each and every time.
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