Anticipation + Excitement = Exhaustion

Ride for Missing Children
Mohawk Valley, New York
Thursday to Saturday Morning

Last High School Dance Recital & 1st Solo ~ Saturdat Morning - afternoon
Hannibal, New York

Syracuse High School Theater Awards - Saturday late afternoon to evening
​Syracuse, New York

My brain keeps telling me there is more to be done but my body is trying to drown out this reality with exhaustion. I wouldn't trade one moment or minute of lost sleep for the amazing, beautiful, and inspiring weekend I spent with my hubby and daughter...and a variety of extended families.

We started with the annual Ride for Missing Children in the Mohawk Valley. It was a different beginning as Mags needed to stay back for a rehearsal at the Landmark Theater. Ed waited for her and they joined me late Thursday night. Friday we spent the day visiting a dozen or more schools and children to increase awareness of child safety, followed by a time of laughter, hugs, and tears with other families of the missing and exploited children across the country. Saturday morning instead of joining the families for breakfast we loaded the car up and headed to Hannibal for Mag's last dance recital as a high schooler. Not only were we on time, I was even able to help while she practiced and got into costume, hair, and make up. I love it when the dancers can handle the back stage details on their own.

Miss Jessica, the owner of Creation Studio, is so sweet and she made it possible for Mary's class to dance all three numbers in the first act, and for Mary's solo to be in the first act so we could scoot at intermission. We wanted to stay as this year's performance was better than last years but Mags needed to be in Syracuse in theater attire by 5:30 p.m. We enjoyed lunch with my Dad, well it was also our breakfast since we forgot to eat in the morning. Oops. We changed and hit the road again. The traffic was hectic and the pedestrians NOT using the cross walk at the "Taste of Syracuse" made for an interesting few blocks to the Landmark but thankfully we weren't the car rearended at the intersection. Thankful for the hedge of protection over us.

Our evening at the theater was nothing less than spectacular. To watch Mags perform on the Landmark stage with her high school theater peeps, and other talented theater kids from across the state was breathtaking. Little did we know the evening was only beginning. Mexico High School's production of "Mary Poppins" was up for five awards and our neighboring district, Oswego High School also had multiple nominations. Oswego County was represented and their talented shined brightly for others to see. One of Mexico's awards was for choreography but they didn't win.

​Everyone was thrilled they were nominated. Then the unexpected happened, there was a nomination no one was aware of, "Outstanding Special Achievement Award", and our student choreographers at Mexico High School were not only one of the nominees, but the winners!! I couldn't stop the tears of joy and love from trickling down my cheeks for minutes. Proud Mama and faculty member moment for sure. 

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Although my mind races with things to do, to write, and prepare...my body is telling me to turn off the computer, pack up the school work, and chillax. We have so much to be thankful for. Rather than focus on the "lasts" with Mary, I look forward to where God is leading her and to see all she'll accomplish in the years to come. One strong, talented, and determined young lady to say the least.

This proud Mom wanted to take a moment to share. I pray for senior parents, let's not spend our time crying and grieving the "lasts", let us celebrate them with anticipation of what is to come. To help us celebrate, my favorite to listen to when relaxing and writing.

Have a great week everyone!!