Sunday Citar~ Reaching

It’s Sunday again that means it’s time for one of my favorite things… Sunday Citar!! 

“It’s not only children who grow. Parents do too. As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours. I can’t tell my children to reach for the sun. All I can do is reach for it, myself.” 
~Joyce Maynard

The littlest one there, age 4 while the others start at age 6, and on her tippie-toes to keep up.

The colorful tiki themed room was buzzing with energy while anxious parents hovered their index fingers over the shutter, lenses pointing in every direction, waiting for the opening number.  And after five days of long dance routine practices, memorizing lines for sketches, and creating hats, outfits and staging… the little ones delivered photo moment after photo moment for proud parents letting that shutter release.

I have to admit, I tried to hold back, but I let a few tears release as well.

Smiling at her “happy feet” as she entered stage left with her friends. Watching my girl click those sticks together, off beat, but with a big smile.  Seeing her twirl opposite the rest of her team… but twirl with flair.  

This past week, my girl reached.  She reached with all she had.  She wore herself out keeping up with the bigs girls.  And I kind of cry-laughed when she stopped dancing long enough to yawn, or when she’s stare off to the right to follow the moves… one half step behind.  But I was so proud, cheeks aching, heart throbbing and so entertained.

Baby brother was proud too. Kept pointing and yelling out, “Eee-yah!” (His version of Aliyah.)

She’s growing.  She’s reaching.  She’s aiming for the sun, beyond anything she’s done before, and baby girl is making it.

We laughed, we cried, we cheered and applauded, and at the end? Daddy brought his girl some flowers.  Her first red roses, just for her, ever.

I couldn’t have been more proud.