Nutcracker Disappointments

In September Amy found out that she was going
to be a "Little Rat" in the LaGrange Ballet's
performance of "The Nutcracker". She was SO
excited, and could hardly wait for rehearsals to
begin!



Jordan and Natalie performing for their
first time as rats in the Nutcracker in 1996

Two weeks ago Amy came down with a fever that ranged from 101*- 103*F

for a whole week. During that time she missed one of her Nutcracker

rehearsals, but I sent a message letting them know she was sick.

The following Saturday I was sitting in a meeting in Columbus when

I realized I had TOTALLY forgotten to remind Kevin that Amy had

rehearsal from 1-3.

By the time I called him, the rehearsal was almost over. Being the great Dad

that he is, he rushed up there with her anyway so she could at least get in

on the costume painting afterwards. When Nancy Gell, the director of the

dance studio, saw them she told Kevin that she had already staged the

dance WITHOUT Amy. She could be in it.... next year.

As you can guess, Amy's heart was broken!!

A while later my cell phone rang. When I answered it, I heard the saddest

little girl on the other end just sobbing.

"I was really counting on being in the Nutcracker. I was going to

be dancing on my birthday, and my friend Annie was going to

come and watch me.... Mrs. Nancy said I can't be in it this year!
Mommy, I reeeeally wanted to do it, I'm so sad! " Sob, sob.

My heart just ached for her. How disappointing. I am sure that

Nancy could have worked her into to it the dance. After all,

how difficult could it be? Amy is a quick learner--We're talking

(5) & 6 & 7 year olds running around the stage like rats!

I know Nancy has to make rules about attendance at rehearsals

and all, but....obviously she hasn't had a child of her own to

know how devastating this was to a 5 year old.

My mind was racing trying to figure

out what to say and how to comfort

her over the phone. Finally I came up

with the idea that maybe she could

invite a few of her friends to go watch

the Nutcracker with her. We could

have a Nutcracker themed birthday

party.

Amy agreed to the idea, but still sounded sad.

I suggested that maybe Daddy could stop at

Dairy Queen for a special icecream treat.

I heard her talking to Kevin about it and then

she came back on the phone and said in a

sad little voice "He said we are almost home..."

My friend Amanda leaned closer to the

phone and jokingly said "cry harder!"

Sounding rather shocked Amy said,

"What did you say?"
We tried so hard not to laugh out loud.

(she knew her Mom wouldn't ever

suggest such a thing) ha

A moment later she said "I think he

is turning around now."

Yeah Daddy!

I felt like such a terrible Mom for

forgetting about her rehearsal and

causing this whole mess!!

At least she has this year's Nutcracker

cast t-shirt with her name on the back...

...what a consolation !

Wish us luck with the Nutcracker themed

birthday party on December 6th.