Just...proud

I don't have many outlets for this, so please, bear with me. And, I never like a braggart, so forgive me.

But my daughter, a small-town, rural NC kid, will be studying musical theatre in New York City in the fall. It's not NYU or a program like Michigan or Carnegie Mellon, but it's not bad, either. Pretty damned good, in fact.

All the applications, all the coaching, all the work on her own, all the prescreen auditions, the live auditions, the callback auditions, and still, as motherfucking competitive as this field is, she found a home that said, "Huge voice in tiny package."

She'll be off in the city in three months, and she can't wait. This passion is a truly hard thing that makes no excuses for anyone, yet she's willing to not only try, but to go to work.

When I was about 5-6 years old, I can remember my tired dad telling me, "Just do what you love. Don't be like me. Love what you do."

The poor guy then had to watch his son pursue sportswriting, but, eventually, I did OK.

But, our kid... her mom and I never told her she couldn't chase a dream or pursue what she loves. We couldn't bear to be those parents. And part of the reason is that I always heard my dad's voice.

I added to that advice. "Work hard so you can dream big."

The odds are enormous.

So is happiness.

 

MY MAN.

I am five bourbons in but the sixth and last is for your progeny.

The stage is ready for you, can't wait another day
There is no limit you can take it all the way
Just take your chance forever, and make your
dreams come true
You know it's now or never, it's up to you

 

@DanielSimpsonDay, thanks so much. Gonna pour another for myself as well. Might be a little teary tonight.

Cheers.

 

Congrats!

 

This is the stuff, right here. Awesome.

 

I don’t care what the institution is. Studying musical theatre in the city with Broadway is going to be great. Congrats.

 

Congrats to the proud 'rents! Break a leg, Lil' UNClette! <3

 

Where you're from doesn't dictate where you go.
I know a kid from rural N.C. who went to school at SCAD and is now living his dreams being a furniture designer in NYC.
Congrats to your family.

 

Also tell her — one day in the future if necessary— that “failing” to reach a hyper-specific goal or dream doesn’t make her a failure. There are some things beyond her control. Getting to this point is an achievement by itself.

 

Excellent news. Just remember to enjoy the journey even if the destination isn’t reached.