A toast to your first stage performance and our first as cheerleaders! #myfriendalexa

It was a unusual Saturday morning. All four of us woke up early and dressed up swiftly for your special day. It was Grandparents Day Celebration on 9th Feb 2019 in your kindergarten. With new sling bags on your tiny shoulders, you walked in style. As it was the first official fiesta, it piqued our interest, more so, we were thrilled to attend our first as parents. Quite excitedly, we arrived. The well-decorated hall with festoons and balloons was already packed, not just with people but with joy, positivity, and delight. The left wall was ornamented with the pictures of all the grandparents. While we made ourselves comfortable on those tiny wooden chairs in the first row, your teachers escorted you inside.

In no time, all the kids took their respective positions at the stage. We did not know this was coming and were pumped up to see you both on the stage. We gave you thumbs up and wished you luck. The music was tuned in. And there you were, in front of our eyes. Dancing!!! It was the most beautiful moment for Mamma and Papa watching both of you, performing as it came as a pleasant surprise. Yay! It was your first stage performance – a moment to cherish forever! As I love to keep things documented and believe in the power of pictures, I clicked many to treasure for life. Seeing you twirling, my eyes welled up and Papa’s chest swelled up with pride.

We could see you were afraid, you were shy, you were quiet. Mihika was constantly looking at us, with her innocent face. She was not comfortable with the crowd glancing at her but Mishika was holding her hand, making her groove. She kept motivating and persuading Mihika to shake her legs. We were absolutely in awe admiring how you stood there for each other. We kept cheering for you and your eyes were glued to us.

Dressed in tutu purple-colored frocks, you looked too cute. But there was a constant fear on your faces. You wanted to come back to me, and sit in my lap. Soon, the performance ended and the hall was filled with the tears of happiness followed by the rounds of applause. We embraced you and congratulated you on doing a fantastic job. You saw us clapping happily and smiled a bit but a crying baby made you cry too. I glanced at you lovingly, nodded my head and you contained yourselves like my angel babies.

While the other group of children started performing, you sat with your friends. We restricted our eye contact with you so that you don’t feel nervous. After a few minutes, you again took your position on stage with those white frills tied in your wrists. It was a sight to behold and transported me to my first performance on stage when I wore the same white frills. The song began breaking my reverie and we were surprised to hear a familiar track, “Open Gangnam Style”.

We were amazed to see you following all the steps so diligently. There were moments when Mihika froze but Mishika didn’t leave her alone even for a moment. As soon as the song ended, you came running and dug your head in my chest. You were not happy and convinced as you froze and thought we must be angry. I kissed you and assured it was an amazing performance ad you reciprocated with a broad grin.

A few older kids recited poems for their grandparents and others danced. A surprise performance was organized by the teachers where all the grandparents were also invited to the stage. Since your grandparents were not present, Papa joined you. You were at peace and exhilarated to see Papa around. The teachers guided them the steps for a few minutes and there was a fun-filled ball dance. After every performance, you hugged me tightly as if sharing your happiness with me. When I said you were awesome, you were overjoyed.

Then, started the prize distribution ceremony and you were elated to grab your prizes from The Principal along with the lovely bouquet for the grandparents. That ‘one’ moment made your day as you were so cheerful to receive those prizes. I know you didn’t understand the meaning of prize at that moment and it was merely a gift for you wrapped in a colorful sheet. But you were excited and we were proud as it was your first and we knew, in our hearts, that there were many more to come.

Later, while enjoying the snacks, we met the fellow parents and grandparents. Many of them told us you were the favorite of their chap which filled our hearts with immense joy and happiness.

A few things I learned about you during the celebration were your empathy towards your friends, teamwork, and at the same time – fear of the stage and facing the world. One important thing that I want to tell you is that it’s ok to freeze, it’s ok to fail, it’s ok to cry, it’s ok to feel nervous. It is absolutely OK. Happens with everyone. What matters is participating.

Moreover, it was your first stage encounter with so many people around and you did splendidly well. Mamma and Papa are still so proud of both of you and will always be. You cared about the crying baby and empathized with him. You encouraged each other. Despite being nervous, you didn’t stop and stayed in the game, without spoiling the performance. And this is enough for us.

It was your first stage performance and our first as your cheerleaders and remember, no matter what – how good or bad you perform, whether its a dance performance or examination or anything in life, you will always find your Mamma Papa’s back. We will always stand with you and for you, as your cheerleaders, your critic, your pillar, your support system – celebrating your success and learning from your failures and growing up stronger and better.

I am taking my blog to the next level with Blogchatter’s #MyFriendAlexa.