Serious Sappiness in Mayhemville

Oh. My. God. I wonder if this is how Brad Pitt's mom felt when she saw him shine in his school musicals. Did she think, "My goodness, where did all that talent come from? Must be my side of the family because his father's side has zero acting abilities." Did she have an inkling that her son would grow up to be shamefully ogled by gaggles of young girls and bored housewives and one day have so many children that he could live in a shoe? (Of course, with his money it would be a really high end show, like a Ferragamo or something.)

As you know, I've been picking on my son the ass (donkey). He's been working hard since July to perfect his side kick quips and punchlines as Shrek's second hand man. The first performance was on Friday night and a bunch of us gals, both friends and family, made a girls night and had dinner and a show. Now, being his mother, I'm extremely biased about how good this kid is. And yet he still completely blew me away.

My son was Donkey in Shrek.

As I sat there, mesmerized that this child of mine had perfected this role, I truly began to understand what it was to love acting. He has worked so hard to hone his craft and it shows. I could not be more proud than I am at this moment. After the first performance, I decided I wanted to see it again. All the shows were sold out. I was torn between being sad and being thrilled that my baby got to perform for a full house every show.

I get teary eyed every time I think about it.

After the show, all the actors go out in the lobby so that people can meet the characters and have their pictures taken with them. It was at this  point that a heart warming moment occurred and forever seared itself into my memory. As I stood congratulating him, I noticed a little boy waiting to talk to him. He couldn't have been more than 4 or 5 years old. I pointed him out because his "fans" were way more important than his boring, old mom. My 6 foot tall boy knelt down, gave him a high five, and chatted with him. The little boy smiled and, after a small hesitation as if he were getting up the nerve, ran and gave my boy a hug. Seriously. I can't replay that moment in my mind because I turn into a giant sapfest. Cue the waterworks!

So, my ass is huge! Wait, I meant, my ass is a huge star! Oh, hmm, that doesn't sound good either. Okay, my son is a fabulous young man with tons of potential, great acting skills, and the ability to melt his mom's heart still. Cue the waterworks!