So when we spent our long getaway weekend in Oklahoma, Dave's mom and Princess decided to sing together. After moving permenantly to the lake and out of Tulsa, his mom and dad joined a great little church up there. I didn't even know my mother in law could sing until she joined the choir. And it's always great to go up there and attend church where she helps to lead the worship songs.
However, we were surprised when we heard that they were gonna sing together at church. We normally leave on Sunday pretty early to get home in plenty of time but this time we were waiting to leave after church. Dave and I are realists. Frankly, we adore our daughter who has the biggest and best parts of our personalities. From Dave she gets her crabbiness when she is hungry or impatient, Lord help that girl if she doens't eat when she first wakes up cause ohhh she's a beast. From me she gets her love of music and her ability to get along with just about anyone. So it wasn't surprising that she wanted to do this. She has had karaoke machines and she constantly sings to any song you put on the radio.
However, she sings to match the singer that is singing the song. Her voice is never consistant and we constantly remind her not to scream it, or high pitch it or for the love of Christ please stop singing. We say it with love, cause we don't want to be parents to one of those people who show up to audition for American Idol and are devastated when they are told that singing is not their thing, move on.
So we did our parent thing, we supported her and let her fly. When they locked themselves in a room to practice, we said nothing. When she skipped out on a hiking trip to practice, we said no problemo. However, when she joined her grandma on stage to sing, Shout to the Lord, Dave reached down and took my hand and squeezed really hard. We both smiled when she nervously caught our eye and nodded, sending her good vibes.
And then the music came on and she sang. Grandma sang backup, Princess sang and I cried.
My baby had worked with Grandma on tone and pitch and obviously practiced her butt off. My baby got up there and had an entire little lake congregation silent. Grandma did a great job prepping her and helping her gain confidence in her voice. She sang beautifully and clear. A sweet pure voice that didn't sound like any other, it was my baby singing, not my baby singing someone else.
Even Dave and his dad looked a little misty eyed when she was done. As the song died down, the church got to their feet and we applauded like we were at a rock concert. She blushed and blushed and then my baby jumped down and skipped down the aisle where she came for hugs. She squeezed me tight and with a huge smile, she snuggled under my arm for big church.
I underestimated my kid. And it was the sweetest moment when she proved me oh so wrong.
She may never be a singer and frankly that is okay. But the confidence she gained from that act of courage has gone a long way. Now she knows, she can.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Princess Surprises Us
