"It takes generosity to discover the whole through others. If you realize you are only a violin, you can open yourself up to the world by playing your role in the concert." -Jacques Yves Cousteau William has been telling us for weeks he didn't want to play in his Spring concert. Unfortunately, it is partly our fault as parents. We didn't force him to practice. Honestly, we didn't even encourage it. He told us he wanted to play last summer and we told him it was on him, as neither Steve or I play violin. My mom plays, but time constraints and distance make it hard for the two of them to get together. So, a year of school has passed that consisted of weekly lessons at school and hours of missed opportunities to practice at home. The easy thing would have been to say, "Okay, it is our fault you didn't practice. You don't have to do the concert." Believe me, it was enticing as the daily complaints grew in intensity. Ultimately, we explained he had two choices. He could play in the concert. Or, he could skip the concert. Both sides had rewards and consequences, but it was up to him to decide. For days, you could tell he was soul searching. William has always been a reflective, insightful boy. His wheels were turning as he gathered the strength to make a decision that he would be happy with. During his personal process, he indicated he was thinking of how we would feel as parents with his decision. We gave very little hints since we truly wanted this to be his decision. Ironically, I remember holding very close to my own heart my parent's views of choices I made in life. I know holding their approval/acceptance in my peripheral helped me walk a straightened arrow. It encouraged me to strive to be better and make them proud. William made a choice that day, with just hours to spare. He played in his first ever concert on June 5, 2014. Afterwards, he reflected on his accomplishments. "I am so proud of myself. I can't believe I did that. I am glad I played in the concert because if I didn't I would have missed the opportunity to feel so proud." -William Chandler Amazing. Lesson. Learned. Without further adieu, William in a last minute practice session . . .{watch til' the end}.
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AuthorTraci, a wife, mother of two boys, Special Education teacher, and sole proprietor of Eco Alternatives LLC. Archives
September 2021
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