Bragging Alert

Ok, I know I did those two question and answer type posts and those were going to be my only ones for today, but I am so happy and proud at the moment that I could bust, and who better to share it with than the 2 or 3 people who read this? So here goes....

Just this past weekend, Jay and I were talking about how we wish there was something that could give Austin the confidence he lacks. He's confident on the golf course, but in everyday situations and situations that take him out of his comfort zone, he is very shy. I have prayed for months for there to be something, but as usual, God seems to love to test my patience levels by making me wait it out...endlessly.

Little did I know the answer was coming, more and more every day and today it sort of revealed itself. We are finding out that Austin has had a hidden talent that we haven't realized is as important to him as it evidentally is. That talent is singing. I should say that we know he enjoys singing, and he does have a good voice. However, due to his shyness, he quit the church youth choir and has considered dropping out of the school choir. Again, I have prayed this wouldn't happen, but also knew it was out of my hands.

Enter a new music director at our school...Mr. S

I knew we had a new one, but honestly never gave him much thought, especially if there was a chance Austin was going to quit. Just this past week, Austin came home with a practice schedule and said "Oh yea, by the way, I'm trying out for Opus" (an all-state choir for kids 7th-9th grade). He said it with such a monotone voice and lacking any enthusiasm, so I assumed it was a required thing, not optional. Again, I never really gave it much more thought...until today.

Today I got an email from Mr. S:

Hello!
Just a quick note to tell you how much I am enjoying Austin and all of his enthusiasm towards choir. I am not sure he could be doing anything more to show me his commitment at this point. He loves life and probably hates sleeping for fear he will miss something. It is obvious that music is a big part of your family and it's always going to be a big player in his life. I will try to keep things as energized and moving forward as possible.

He told me that he could make his Opus recording at 10:00 on Saturday morning. He sure sounds good. I told him to drink lots of water this week and to cut back on the smoking, drinking, and wild women. He thought he could do that! (....and I sure hope you are smiling right now!)
Thanks for your support as we move onward in the choir department.
More later,
Mr. S

I sat there stunned. Was this MY Austin he was talking about? The shy boy who quit choir was now committed and working hard towards a taped audition that would be sent in?

I sent an email back thanking him for his encouragement and support, and I admitted I was surprised to know he was actually doing this willingly, and I explained why. I got a reply back from Mr S saying the following:

I think he will make a terrific CD recording, I wish I was the judge for him! I have been surprised both ways with these recordings. We'll just have to see what happens when the dust settles. If he makes it, Oh my, we will have such a good time and he will feel like a celebrity. Until then, I will just keep making him practice. My favorite teaching line?...."Do it again!"
Mr. S

I realize I have never met this man in person, but I am anxious to. He seems like such a great guy, who is really interested in pushing the kids and helping them to stretch themselves to reach their full potential.

Will Austin make the Opus cut? I don't know. I hope he does, but honestly that's not what is most important to me. I am so proud of him for doing something that has to be very hard for him. Most of the boys in his grade think singing and band are for geeks and sissies and have told him so. I am very proud that Austin doesn't care what others thing (or at least he does what makes him happy in spite of what they think). What a great young man he is growing into, and I couldn't be happier than knowing I get to have a ringside seat to see it all. Thank you God!