Saturday, May 02, 2009

Sadness in Success

Easter was a quiet day this year. It wasn’t always liked that. Easters of the past were good family occasions. We decorated the Easter eggs, searched out candy-laden baskets and have memories of our treasure hunts on Easter morning.

Using about three-dozen plastic eggs a clue would be tucked inside each one leading each child down their personal path to their hidden treasure. The first clues were handed to them and each read differently. Words were geared for their age. They might have read something like this “It’s really not hard to find the number two clue; just go to a cold spot for an egg of blue” (which meant the freezer), or “A hidden pink egg holds clue number three, near an exit it’ll be, yet difficult to see,” A poet I am not.

By the afternoon we had invaded Grandma’s house. Every grandchild would be transformed as the boys had their hair combed and wore neat outfits; the girls in their frilly dresses, matching bonnets and lacy white socks inside a pair of patent leather shoes. They were picture perfect children! My sisters and I would quickly group the kids together to snap pictures as they anxiously waited to run outside to find the Easter eggs that our mom had hidden.

If we were lucky enough to grab the kids before they had a chance to run out of the house in search of those eggs, off came those adorable little outfits, replaced with old play clothes; and if the ground was still soaked from the melting snow, the shiny patent leather shoes were discarded for more practical wear like mud boots.

They went from looking like a prince and princess, to country bumpkin with mud on their knees within a matter of minutes. But, their sweet little faces glowed with excitement as they turned to show us the colored egg they found nestled at the base of the tree. Our precious angel coated in mud went to hunt down another egg for the basket.

I relished those were crazy days. Knowing full well that change would set in. Because as much as a parent enjoys the stage their child is in, we are always looking forward to the next step.

I cannot tell you what day it happened. It isn’t clear to any of us. Yet at some point I had passed on the responsibility of their life to them, ending their childhood, the final stage.

It is funny because this is what I had worked so hard to achieve, to have my kids independent and happy. I accomplished what I set out to do. I always thought I would be celebrating and danced up a storm.

It makes me laugh, because it makes me cry. Now I wonder if I did such a wonderful thing after all. As they formed their lives, I became an outsider looking in. I am a part of it, yet I am not.

Who would ever guessed that in sweet success there is a spot of sadness.
Although I have no regrets, the reality is; the happiest moments of my life are remembered with a tear-streaked face.

Susan Boyle's Chance

Given A Chance

If you have not had a chance to see or hear Susan Boyle sing, you must log into YouTube for the shock of your life. I believe this is a prime example of how you should not treat people that appear different than yourself for you never know what treasures are concealed inside of them. If given a chance, they will bloom.

Susan was a contestant that was met with ridicule and sneers when she walked onto the stage of Britain’s Got Talent. It was obvious she was being judged on her appearance, even though she was neat and clean with matching heels and a pretty satin sash around her waist. I am rather sure she most likely picked it out and felt pretty while wearing it and yet it did not measure up with the audience’s opinion of fashion. They laughed at her.

Then when she spoke, they looked down upon her as if she were a dimwit, thinking she could never ever come close to equaling the great singer like Elaine Page, who was Susan’s idol.

What a pity it was to witness the treatment she was receiving when all she wanted was to fulfill a dream in honor of her mother.

Simon Cowls questioned Susan as to why she had not sang before this (other than at churches and school), her replay was, “I was never given a chance before now.” I thought it is no wonder she never had a chance if that is how she had been treated for the past 47 years.

Then, Susan began to sing. Eyebrows went up. Jaws dropped. Eyes popped open. The audience stood and cheered. They were in awe.

Susan ended up being the gallant one leaving the audience and the judges to eat dirt. She humbled all that watched her that day.

Go online and watch the seven-minute clip from her tryout on the show, where Simon nearly melted with appreciation. He looked like a teenager in love.

Susan might be ordinary; she’s also extraordinary. Given that one chance and she bloomed.

Next time I hope you remember Susan when you go to judge someone. Give him or her a chance to release the treasures they hold inside. You might be surprised.

Originally published in the Palladium Times.