Saturday, September 28, 2013

To my son; UPDATED

UPDATE:
On Thursday I posted the letter below this to my son Connor. He is amazing. He did amazing things.

And then, the universe returned the favor.

As Connor was headed to school on Friday we chatted about all the possible things that could happen. It could be never spoken of again; it could be that he may still get teased now that things were out in the open; it could be a conversation starter.

Even better happened.

Connor's new school friend (who sounds like an amazing young man I cannot wait to meet!) decided to look Connor up on Google. (Thank God for the 21st century!) What he found were some of Connor's dance videos. Namely he found Connor dancing in "Colorblind" from the Diva Dance Competition. Connor's friend was blown away. He was so impressed and was talking with Connor about how brave Connor was to be up on "such a big stage".

I could not have predicted a better ending. I am so happy for Connor and so proud of his new friend.
The original letter is below.


Dear Connor,
I need you to know how proud I am of you. I know, I know, I tell you this a lot. But I need for you to know how true it is. Today you were braver than I could have ever been at your age. Today you didn't plan on being brave. In fact, today you started by not being brave. You tried to fade away, and you tried to pretend you were something other than who you are. When you heard the possibility of someone judging your choices,  your passion, your love....  when you heard those words "that's for girls" you didn't speak up. You didn't clarify, and you didn't come clean.

I get it. You're eleven. You're brand new to this town. Also, you're human. You did what comes easy. You avoided a confrontation. But then this ate at you all day. When you came home you were miserable.

Please don't ever deny who you are. Never ever ever. You are better than that and you can be stronger than that.

I told you this. And you believed me.

And then

You called your classmate. You spoke to him on the phone. You admitted you had not been honest, and you let him know that you are a ballet dancer and that you love it.

And.....

It was fine. You chatted for a minute and you smiled. And you exhaled. And I exhaled.

Your face when you hung up that phone was amazing. You were proud of yourself.

You can do this. You can be strong and brave and amazing. You have chosen a challenging path. Don't deny it. Walk your path with your head held high and your toes pointed.

You can do this.

I am behind you all the way. I am always in the crowd and will always be cheering for you. You made me prouder tonight than anyone I have ever met. I am honored to be your mother.

I love you,
Mom

Thursday, September 26, 2013

To my son

Dear Connor,
I need you to know how proud I am of you. I know, I know, I tell you this a lot. But I need for you to know how true it is. Today you were braver than I could have ever been at your age. Today you didn't plan on being brave. In fact, today you started by not being brave. You tried to fade away, and you tried to pretend you were something other than who you are. When you heard the possibility of someone judging your choices,  your passion, your love....  when you heard those words "that's for girls" you didn't speak up. You didn't clarify, and you didn't come clean.

I get it. You're eleven. You're brand new to this town. Also, you're human. You did what comes easy. You avoided a confrontation. But then this ate at you all day. When you came home you were miserable.

Please don't ever deny who you are. Never ever ever. You are better than that and you can be stronger than that.

I told you this. And you believed me.

And then

You called your classmate. You spoke to him on the phone. You admitted you had not been honest, and you let him know that you are a ballet dancer and that you love it.

And.....

It was fine. You chatted for a minute and you smiled. And you exhaled. And I exhaled.

Your face when you hung up that phone was amazing. You were proud of yourself.

You can do this. You can be strong and brave and amazing. You have chosen a challenging path. Don't deny it. Walk your path with your head held high and your toes pointed.

You can do this.

I am behind you all the way. I am always in the crowd and will always be cheering for you. You made me prouder tonight than anyone I have ever met. I am honored to be your mother.

I love you,
Mom

Sunday, September 22, 2013

One is silver and the other gold.

This weekend was full of friendships, both new and old. On Saturday night Al and I spent some time with new neighbors. We hit it off very nicely, and I anticipate more neighborhood gatherings. That was a wonderful time.

On Sunday we went to the Eastern States Exposition with my best friend from high school and her son. What a wonderful day surrounded by one of my oldest and best friends.

What a weekend!

Aisling and Siobhan had chalk put in their hair. 


Clydesdale horses!


We went to a demo of a steam cleaner and the kids LOVED participating 
by coloring on the floor with crayons. 


The circus may have been the favorite part for my performance loving children! 


They LOVED the performing dogs, and they were so thrilled to find out
 they had won America's Got Talent! 

The next act was Connor's favorite. We have seen many aerialist performances before, the kids love them. But this performance was by a male. Connor was beyond himself with excitement, and kept stating the ballet moves he was seeing. This guy was seriously amazing. We tried to go see him after the show so Connor could chat with him, but he wasn't around. 


There was a clown act involving "Tow Mater" which was pretty awesome!




This performer did costume changes in seconds.
 It was beautifully choreographed and so cool to see! 

Finally there was the "Human arrow". Similar to a human cannon ball, but from a giant crossbow! Connor held his breath the entire time! 

 
There is is in the air!



And into the net! 

Next we needed lunch. Giant corn dogs anyone?


When Connor was 4 we took him to the Champlain Valley Fair to see Galaxy Girl. He fell in love. He had her autograph, and he pretended to do her stunts all over the house. Well, she was at the Big E this year! We didn't get to see her up close, but she was amazing nonetheless.This picture is of her doing a handstand at the top of that pole.

  
 

Next we were able to take on a few rides. This one cracks me up. Siobhan rode the "Bumble Bee Bop" with Jacob, Kristen's son. Jacob was fresh off a terrible ride experience at Six Flags a few weeks ago, and was petrified. Siobhan was looking for more action! The bee ride could have gone up high, but Jacob didn't want it to. So, Siobhan was miserable that they were not going higher, and Jacob was afraid for his life. Not your typical "We love rides" picture at all! 

 
 

Next the Frugolis did some rides of their own. 
 





 

 

Aisling, being more of a dare devil than the other two, did the swing ride alone. She had a blast! 




 



Connor and Siobhan chose the tamer ride. 
Although Connor was a tad disappointed in his choice at the end. 


 Together the kids enjoyed the tamer swings as well.










Overall it was a great weekend. I am so glad we were able to connect with Kristen and Jacob, as well as spend time with new friends, and even with our family. Time well spent indeed. 

Now, tomorrow morning we have forgotten homework to cram in, as well as five showers to get through, since no child has showered since Thursday. 

But, still.... totally worth it.