A Whole New World. A Note From Jan.

Luke sang. We listened and cheered. He was Aladdin in his elementary school’s musical.

Those of you who saw Jud’s service on line or in person know Luke can sing. Not easy to be a 5th grade boy who can sing, then be “forced to fall in love”with a girl on stage! Think of Monday morning at recess with other 5th grade boys! In the last scene, Aladdin has to put his arm around Jasmine as they sing “A Whole New World” with the rest of the cast. Heather said, “Did you see that Luke’s fist was clenched behind Jasmine’s back?” That will change.

After the show, Matt wanted to get a picture of Luke with Robin (Jasmine). Luke tried to escape. Finally, Matt promised a half hour of technology time … just to get one quick photo. Not easy this thing called parenting.  A little bribery goes a long way! Jasmine blushed and Luke gritted his teeth, but before long a smile escaped. You can’t keep a good man, or boy, down or downcast for long.

The snake charmer in the marketplace was a young boy in a wheelchair. I took Heather’s place for a few hours of rehearsal time this past week (parents volunteer) so got acquainted with several of Luke’s classmates. The day of the dress rehearsal, Roman, the snake charmer, belted into his wheelchair, fairly bounced, arms flailing with joy, exclaiming to his aide and any close by. “I’m so happy!” “I’m so happy!” He loved his costume and being part of the musical.

“A Whole New World” is more than a song. Kids like Roman wouldn’t have been in school in my day, much less on stage. I love that change.

Well, Luke, your Popo would’ve been so proud of you…how you sang at his service and the way you sang in Aladdin. One of my favorite parts was listening to Basil singing your songs as he sat behind me. He’s learning a lot from his big brother. Lucky Basil!

The storm here is over. Debris covers walkways, yards and streets. At dinner tonight, Heather said, “I saw the nest today. Watched a bluebird come and feed little ones.”

As we gathered around the table and ate Indian take-out food tonight, I felt so grateful. Thankful for extended time with this family for Luke who loves to sing, no matter what he has to face at recess today for Aunt Liz, fresh from Seattle to cheer on Luke for Lily, Luke’s make-up artist for trumpet playing Matt, encourager of music-making in his family by voice or instrument  for Heather who tends her family and sick folks, and still manages to notice a bluebird feeding her young, and for Basil, who set the table tonight and knows a leader worth following. His big brother.