~My early Christmas present~
It is almost 10pm. and I am sitting in a seat in the very back of Loyd Auditorium on campus— I know that I will be up here yet again another night until 1 a.m. or after- and as I sit here tonight I am crying— not because of sadness or even because I am exhausted beyond belief. I am crying because I sit here watching about 30 of the most loving, caring, talented young people work like crazy….strictly and totally because they want to make a difference in a sweet and silly little Christmas Show…that started about 3 years ago—that has grown into something special and wonderful and very dear to my heart. It is one of those rare things that make me still able to find joy in this holiday season. I know that each of these “kids” could be doing something else- they could be studying, or going on a date, or just hanging out with their friends who are just getting back to school but instead- here they are working and laughing and loving and bringing a simplistic joy to the world. The songs are some old, some new, some fun and some sure to bring a tear to your eye- these kids don’t even realize tonight as I sit here almost overwhelmed with emotion that they have already made a difference in my life….spending time with them, offering my encouragement, or a suggestion or two….is a blessing- but so much more so is- watching them laugh together, watching them get to know one another, learning to blend their melodies and harmonies, and watching as they share special memory making mistakes…and come out glowing as they finally hear their fellow performers applause and hoot and holler for them as they achieve perfection— and especially as they began tonight’s tech run with a prayer for some of our cast who have friends and family who are hurting. This years show will be our biggest and best show yet- our wonderful student Director, Robert Hatfield and his crew (including Emily Morgan, Nik Amberson and Marcia Jo Frazier) have been awesome- they have worked tirelessly and with no complaining.
This show is so special to my heart and I can’t imagine why everyone I know would not want to be a part of it— sit in the audience and watch this beautiful event that takes place on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. right here in the very auditorium it would even be worth a long drive. :) (shameless plug to my dad and the Birmingham folks) I really really am excited about my early Christmas present. Most all of you that know me- are well aware of the fact that I love these Freed-Hardeman kids- they never cease to me amaze me . I am truly blessed to be part of their lives and ever grateful for my early Christmas present- the first of the season to make me cry!
