So when I attended a concert on February 27th in Long Beach, I knew I would be doing this again, and I certainly wasn't disappointed.
The night was a success before I even experienced it. I made up that it would be.
And how could I be disappointed? I was taking my niece to her first grown up concert to see her favorite singer Jason Mraz. She had written an essay in school that had moved me into action. When asked who she would like to meet if she could meet anyone, she chose aforementioned musician. A rather grown up choice, since her peers were writing about Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift. She had watched a live chat that Jason had done in November and surprised me by how much she retained from that interview. From the name of his cat to his love for surfing and hula hooping. She also wrote of how he inspired her. Now I gain a lot of inspiration from Jason as well, but I don't recall ever saying that to her. Needless to say I was moved, so I arranged for a meet and greet with him and front row seats to the concert.
Music is an integral part of my life, and that of my family. My nine year old niece also knows the words to most Beatles songs and that the famous quartet consists of John, Paul, George and Ringo. I wanted to make sure that this experience did not become an expectation for her. I wanted her to know that this was more than just a concert. It was to raise funds and awareness for spinal cord injuries through the Life Rolls On foundation founded by Jesse Billauer. I have been a supporter of the Surfrider Foundation for many years at which I had seen Jesse at some events, so I also became a supporter of Life Rolls On. My brother and I explained to her about the foundation and about Jesse's injury, and how he overcame the obstacles to surf again. We explained that he was a quadrapelegic and is in a wheelchair to which she responds "like Stephen Hawking" (??????). Precocious yes, with a heart of gold.
I would like to acknowledge Jason Mraz for how amazing he was with her. She had made him a card as well as giving him a copy of her essay, and he seemed genuinely grateful for the gifts. Her favorite part was the "big bear hug" he gave her. Also my gratitude goes to him as well. I don't have any children, and I have resigned myself to the fact that motherhood may not be in the cards for me, and that is okay. I have my niece, whose own mother is absent in her life, so we serve a purpose for each other :). But watching her with Jason, the moment was all about her, and after we parted, I couldn't hold back the tears. For the first time, I felt what it was like to be a mom. Tears still fall down my cheeks when I think about it. Magical.
I would also like to acknowledge Jesse Billauer and Life Rolls On. In between sets from the performers, video was shown about Jesse and the foundation where I was moved to tears again. (I am an emotional person). While I knew the story, seeing him there and listening to him tell his story was so powerful and such a testament to what the human spirit is capable of. And we all have this in us. We can spread spirit every day. A kind word, a smile. an I love you. It doesn't always have to be monetary. The human spirit is resilient and has so much to give. We only have to allow it to give. As we were watching the videos, my niece leans over and asks me if we can volunteer. My heart soars. Our children have that spirit in them, so pure and untouched by cynicism. If we provide the tools and teach them, without imposing our own ideas onto them, but rather allowing them to arrive at their own decisions... What an awesome accomplishment! I left once again feeling a grand inspiration!
In Spirit, In Joy,
Darlene
No comments:
Post a Comment