My daughter, my youngest, turns 14 years old today. In an effort to support her dream of dancing for a living, I have created her dance studio the best I can in an apartment for her birthday present. I am a hopeless supporter of the arts, urging both my children to follow their dreams. Perhaps not the most practical urgings, but when the entire world is insisting on practicality, I think our kids need some support in the fanciful. Afterall, practicality dictates our lives, often takes over our lives. Delving into the fanciful is so important, relieving us from the stress of life. Seeing this room, my daughter had me immediately doing turns and spins. She was surprised that her old Mamma could actually do a few well formed turns. And in doing those turns I was able to go back in time. Oh, how delicious to revisit youth. My birthday gift to my daughter ended being a gift to myself as well.
Here my daughter won her first award last year in dance. Looking like she's in a 1940s film, I was in awe as a mom. I so hope my kids can both realize their dreams in the arts. As I watched my son graduate with his specialty in animation and my daughter getting into an arts school for dance, I remember getting accepted to UCLA's theatre arts program. I was a fool to leave college, but I thought becoming a wife was where it was all at...leaving just one year short of graduating. Inner dialogue: "So, how did that work out for you, Susanne?" "Just fabulous. Thanks for reminding me!" Hope my kids are smarter than their mom about their education and relationship choices. But today, I just want my daughter to enjoy the fanciful life, dancing to her heart's content and watching her mom fall flat on her butt trying to do the splits. I'll do anything to keep them laughing. Happy birthday, Clair Bear!
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