The Roxy

My best friend's kids are into local theater. I try to get tickets for every production they're involved in. I love watching a good musical, and when it's kids, it's even more fun to watch. I don't know if it's because I'm a mom now, or if everyone cries when a kid sings a solo. This summer, her kids participated in Drama Camp with Muskogee Little Theater. They dressed up for all the different theme days and they also put on several skits or short plays, one of which was just 20-30 minutes. I thought that would be the perfect time to try the twins on their very first live performance. I thought we'd get there early so we might get to sit with my friend and maybe visit for a few minutes. As I pulled the handle on the backseat car door, my heart sank. I locked my keys in the car last night. Awesome.  I'm always doing things like this. I feel scattered. I'm always forgetting things and...just getting in my own way. These days, my brain is touch and go. One minute I have it all together, and the next minute I'm picking up the pieces. Mommy brain?

I knew we'd miss the play now, and I was so disappointed, but I wasn't giving up yet. I called my AT&T road-side assistance representative and she said they'd be here shortly. It wasn't even five minutes later that a small car whizzed into the driveway and came to a sudden stop. An old man got out, and I pointed to my car in the garage. Without a word, he began sliding a metal hook into the driver's side door. I turned the shop fan on and pointed it toward him and then left him to do his work while I went in to see about the kids. By the time I came back to check on him, he was done. I offered him a cold drink from the garage fridge. He accepted and mumbled a thank you before buzzing away in his Bug. A man of few words, but polite--minimal, and straight to the point. I can appreciate that.

And there was still just enough time to get to The Roxy for the play! I rushed the kids into the car and away we went. We had to park a block down and across the street. It was packed.

It was the first time we've crossed a street at a traffic light with the babies on foot. Hand-in-hand, we waited and then walked on the cross walk. A lady was smiling from behind her windshield. I smiled back and encouraged them as we walked: "Come on, keep walking. Good job! We're almost there. Go, babies!" Emma tripped, but I wouldn't let her fall. When it was time to open the swinging doors, I had to hold two tiny hands in one. We made it inside and it was perfect timing. The play began as we sat down in the back row in the dark. After a brief, awkward tangle, I got one baby on each knee. I shared a chuckle at my own expense with a woman across the aisle. Emma and Ethan were at first distracted by some of the nearby audience members, but soon the stage captured their attention. It was Jazzy's solo and they couldn't take their eyes off of her. I was so glad we didn't miss her special spotlight moment. All of the kids had a speaking or singing part. Ethan and Emma were mesmerized. They danced in my lap and cheered, "Yay!" And when it was over they clapped with the audience just like seasoned little theater babies.

When the lights came on, we walked down to congratulate the stars, Jazzy and Brayd'n. How brave they are, how great. I could have never faced a crowd as they did when I was their age. I hope my kids can get the early exposure that may be necessary to overcome their mother's shy gene.

I noticed Ethan was very focused on a very beautiful blonde woman with sparkling blue eyes. She was a stranger to us, but my friend must've known her. He smiled his flirty smile and wouldn't stop staring at her. "Hi, hi," he said.
"Hi there," she answered.
"Sup."
I looked at my son. Did he just say, "Sup," as in "What's up?" Is my kid puttin' the moves on this lady?
"Sup," he repeated.
"Well, what's up to you!" she said while we all laughed. Then, she corrected herself: "I mean, nothing. How about you?" and she blushed a little.

I'm simultaneously proud and embarrassed.

Go, Ethan.