Yes, the tough stuff in parenting...when you have to guide and support your teenager, as they navigate choices/decisions in their lives. It sorta sucks...but no one tells you that part. Where is the book? What? There is no book? Just wing it? Okay...so I tried that this week. I suggested she pray about it, and I knew her heart would tell her what to do.
As many of you know, Jessica was offered the opportunity to return back to Joffrey Ballet this fall and attend their trainee program. What did it entail? Well...living in dorms, doing independent study for high school, and dance 20-25 hours a week. As well as rehearse/perform in the Nutcracker this December in NYC, and several other productions. Basically, eat, sleep and breathe dance. Many aspiring dancers do it, sacrifice it all, and pursue their dream. J and I spent hours on the phone, discussing the pros and cons, things she would miss, and wouldn't miss, the fact that it snows in NY, and how our lives here at home would go on too. I had to tell her that as much as I would like to pack up and live with or right by her, it was not possible. I heard the struggle in her voice, and felt her weigh all her options, and quite honestly, it killed me inside to see her struggle like that. Wanting both, but not being able to have both...her dance, plus her home. My heart hurt for her. She was trying to be a grown up, but then again, she is 15...she shouldn't have to be...at least not yet. A day later, she called and said, "I want to come home for the fall, I want to work hard at my dance studio in their new conservatory program, be in the Nutcracker in December, audition in January for Ballet Summer Intensives, see my friends at school, and see you guys. I would miss you all way too much. I love New York, but I am a California girl."
She will have many more opportunities... maybe not like this one, maybe even better! The great part about ballet is you are always striving to be better, to improve, and to advance, which can open up new doors. So even though sometimes God closes a door, he always opens a window. And as a Mom, I pray my ballerina girl will dance her way right through it...
~M
As many of you know, Jessica was offered the opportunity to return back to Joffrey Ballet this fall and attend their trainee program. What did it entail? Well...living in dorms, doing independent study for high school, and dance 20-25 hours a week. As well as rehearse/perform in the Nutcracker this December in NYC, and several other productions. Basically, eat, sleep and breathe dance. Many aspiring dancers do it, sacrifice it all, and pursue their dream. J and I spent hours on the phone, discussing the pros and cons, things she would miss, and wouldn't miss, the fact that it snows in NY, and how our lives here at home would go on too. I had to tell her that as much as I would like to pack up and live with or right by her, it was not possible. I heard the struggle in her voice, and felt her weigh all her options, and quite honestly, it killed me inside to see her struggle like that. Wanting both, but not being able to have both...her dance, plus her home. My heart hurt for her. She was trying to be a grown up, but then again, she is 15...she shouldn't have to be...at least not yet. A day later, she called and said, "I want to come home for the fall, I want to work hard at my dance studio in their new conservatory program, be in the Nutcracker in December, audition in January for Ballet Summer Intensives, see my friends at school, and see you guys. I would miss you all way too much. I love New York, but I am a California girl."
She will have many more opportunities... maybe not like this one, maybe even better! The great part about ballet is you are always striving to be better, to improve, and to advance, which can open up new doors. So even though sometimes God closes a door, he always opens a window. And as a Mom, I pray my ballerina girl will dance her way right through it...
~M
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