Sing Out Louise!

Many of you who know me know that I LOVE all things theater. Especially when you add musical in front of that word. I once was athletic, but then I discovered the amazing world of drama and there was no turning back. I haven't been on stage much, well, twice, but I was great in Forum and Henry VIII. However, I was there for pretty much EVERY performance my High school did from '99-'02. That being said, those of you how love drama like I do will realize that the title of my blog is from Gypsy. Gypsy is one of my favorite performances and this is because I met some of the most amazing people doing that production. (Shout out Susannah & Jonathan!) Since graduating, they have moved to NYC to be BIG TIME actors! However, I digress..

Today I learned of an opportunity Trenton had been offered to make his acting debut. My Mom tells me about a girl who is going to be on some diagnosis show. She has a blood disorder and essentially, she cannot bleed, bruise, get hurt in any way or it equals a trip to the hospital. I know the disease has a name, but my Mom was not remembering it at the moment, and I sure don't know about it. Well, they needed a baby to act as her when she was little. Now, Trenton is the perfect age and he and this girl have striking blue eyes, so they would put fake bruises and blood on Trenton and he would be in the show! I of course would have done this, but we are going to be out of town the weekend they film. Not to mention, Trenton can't keep his hands out of his mouth, but this got me thinking.

Here I was excited for my son's opportunity to make his acting debut (small, i know) and he would be exposed to acting and love it just as much as his Mom (actually, he still prefers racing); however, then I thought about it. For this precious little girl, this is her reality.

Her bruises aren't made by make up, her blood is not fake, her pain and her suffering are real. I immediately felt ashamed of myself. From what my Mom tells me this girl is amazing. You would never know her struggles. I could not imagine living a life where to fall down and scrape my knee is so much more than a band aid. To be her Mother, having to make sure your daughter has a 'normal' life without getting to do all things 'normal'. I cannot imagine what her Mother goes through. So, I talked to Mom more. This family is amazing. This Mom could be full of guilt and sorrow for herself and her daugther; however, she is doing things like this show to raise awareness.

It is one of those things that you don't know how good you have it until you meet someone to remind you of your blessing. True, Trenton had a TE Fistula, but he survived and minus a little honking when he breathes, he is fine.

This precious girl will live with this for the rest of her life. And all her family wants to do from it is spread the awareness. There is not a good way to tell her thank you. I appreciate this opportunity not only for my son, but also for the humbling experience of putting life into perspective. I would love for Trenton to make his acting debut and for it to be helpful is spreading the word about her condition; however, I am humbled at her and her family and their grace, strength, and faith.

So, another time Trenton and I will get to be dramatic, now, we are just grateful.