Have a Little Faith in You

I always found it strange that every four years a day is added to the calendar. I mean, what's the point of that? It makes even less sense than Daylight Savings Time.

Anyway, I’ve never really been a ‘leap before you look’ kind of person. I’m very cautious and always try to weigh the consequences before I do anything because I don’t like to fail. It’s something I’ve tried to instill in my kids too, although with them I say "if it’s going to piss me off, don’t do it!" haha. I’m proud to say their choices (for the most part) haven’t caused me to erase them from my will and I sometimes wonder where they get their courage.

This past weekend, my daughter Amanda sang a duet in a recital. I was both excited and nervous for her. She took a big leap of faith doing this. Why? Because she’s never performed in front of an audience before (not since she was 6 and in a ballet recital). And also, because Amanda has Cerebral Palsy, which has greatly affected her speech. Although her disability limits her from doing some things, her drive and determination to prove she can do them is awe-inspiring.

The recital was only the students of the music teacher so it wasn't very large...about fifty people I'd guess. Manda did a wonderful job and brought several of us to tears. Although at one point in the beginning she looked like she was going to cry, she pushed through. I think it was the bravest thing I've ever seen anyone do. But, that's Manda. She can be fearless when she wants something.

To quote her favorite singer Justin Beiber, Amanda will ‘never say never’.

if you'd like to see the performance, you can find it here: http://youtu.be/uMbLEW435eE
forgive the video quality....I was shaking. lol