Literally Golden
Today was one of those unexpectedly perfect summer moments — the kind that sneaks up on you, fills your whole chest, and then sits there glowing for the rest of the day.
Elliott had his very first drama camp performance, and he absolutely owned it.
It was actually the first performance any of my kids have ever done. Which made it even cooler — he got to go first on something (you know, little brother energy), and Miles — more cautious about performing — got to watch someone he knows and trusts get up there and just be their full self on a stage. It felt like this tiny, beautiful moment of organic, unintentional sibling modeling. (A nice change of pace, by the way.)
We all showed up for Elliott and dang did it hit right. Grandma, Grandpa, Mom, Nanny, and the sibs. At the end, there was a part for the audience to participate, and he was so happy when Miles, Maxy, and our nanny all jumped into the ocean scene. Ugh, so GOOD. I was busy executing my horrible camera work to make sure Joey got to share in the wonder — and also so I can watch it a million times for the rest of my life. (Joey commented more on my terrible camera-ship than the actual performance.)
MY THEATER CHILDREN. OH, HAVE I BEEN WAITING FOR THIS.
He followed directions like a champ, danced to “Golden” (K-Pop Demon Hunters) with total freaking joy, and lit up every time he saw me watching him with an uncontrollable smile on my face. He wasn’t just doing the motions; he was comfortable. He was confident. He was proud.
Watching him up there brought me back. Right back. And sharing that joy with my kid… my word.
And THEN, as if we weren’t already drenched in bliss, I a) successfully taught Elliott the monkey bars — and made falling okay! and b) learned that Miles can do skip bars on the monkeys. The last time I tried to help HIM he would not have it, not at all. But suddenly… okay apparently he’s been practicing.
This is 100% a core memory. For me, I mean. We’ll see whether it sticks with him, but I will know that the way this experience went has given him something new and wonderful. It’s a piece of our lineage I’ve been waiting to see play out. At home we sing, perform, play instruments, write songs, write stories, and dance. I have to give them the chance to feel the energy of doing that on stage. And if it’s not for them? That’s okay! I’ma offer it though.
Next week it’s Miles’ turn at drama camp, and that’s going to be his own magic. He looks forward to it every year. But today belonged to Elliott — and he made it… Golden.
