Extremely Proud Mom

Elizabeth had State Band Championships this weekend.  Unfortunately, I couldn't travel to Louisville.  So on Friday night, I went to the high school to wish her well and see her off.

There were dozens of parents there and lots of cheering.  The band room was decorated with streamers, balloons, and posters.  The mood was a joyous one.

Why was I crying?

My baby was about to participate in the most important school event of her life and I wasn't going to be there.  And she was going to be gone for 2 nights without family and not to a camp. 

My mother-heart was tugging.  I had no idea I would react this way. 

When she got on the bus I stood outside her window for 15 minutes waiting for them to pull out.  I love yous, Be carefuls, and Do your bests were too numerous to count.  I MADE her promise to call several times.

Finally, the time came.  Led by wailing fire truck and rescue squad units, 3 schools buses, a semi loaded with equipment, 2 trucks hauling trailers with band stuff and a huge caravan of cars pulled away on their way to Louisville.  I waived until they were out of sight, got in my car, and broke down in tears.

My baby was gone.  At that moment I wish I had tried harder to make it on the trip.  Next year, I vowed!

I got that call telling me she had arrived safely.  I wished her luck again and to make me proud, make herself proud.

I found out they gave the performance of their lives that day.  The band director was crying, the band was crying.  They had DELIVERED IT!  I wish I could have been there to share in their moment.  My heart was bursting with joy when Elizabeth called to tell me.  Now we just had to wait for the results of the semifinals to see them make it to finals competition.

I found out later that they didn't make it to finals - first time in several years.  The band members were crushed.  The director was speechless.  The parents were shaking their heads.  The mood back to the hotel was silence, interrupted only by the sobs.

They braved their way through it and went to finals to watch Murray High and others compete.  Murray got 2nd place in their division.  Way to go Tigers!  Your program was amazing!

So now it was time to meet the returning competitors.  I got a balloon and a stuffed animal to greet Elizabeth - just to let her know that I thought she did great and I was proud of her no matter what.

When they settled into the band room we watched the performance on dvd.  Parents were crowded behind the chairs.  What I saw, what the entire room saw, was 10 minutes of an almost perfect performance - the best performance of the season.  That performance WAS state finalist material.  I have never seen lines so straight, formations so spot-on, music so haunting, color guard precision.

There were several moments within the performance viewing that the parents mouths were hanging on the ground, it was so amazing.  There were gasps and 'did you seee those lines' and 'WOW'.  Claps and cheering.  Twice we heard the band director quietly, but with full meaning, WOW. 

We were crying but with the biggest smiles on our faces.  FATHERS WERE CRYING.  It was an awesome sight.  I feel so blessed that I got to see it, at least second hand.  I feel like I felt a part of their 'moment' after all. 

The band director and others said a few words.  The kids left fairly upbeat but still in shock.  It was just as hard on the parents. 

Regardless of the 'official' outcome, these kids were a CLASS ACT. 

I am so proud of each of them and all the parents and staff that worked so hard to make it happen.

I am so proud of my Elizabeth!

I wish

I WISH

I knew the results of my medical tests

I felt better

I wasn't REALLY behind in my work

I could multiply myself

I didn't have 5 events to attend this Saturday

My house was clean

I read the Bible more

I spent more time with Elizabeth

I could go to State Band competition this weekend

I had more friends - can never have too many

Had more time to read, be with friends, make cards/crafts

I could travel more

Could see my dad more

Could see my mom again

Could see all the loved ones who have passed

I was a better example to my daughter, friends, coworkers, and family

I don't want to WISH my life away but today is one of THOSE days.