Diamonds

Thursday night was Wakeland High’s spring chorale show with my two eldest. Amanda auditioned for and was selected to do a solo performance (there were about eight solos.) The first number was “Sweet Home Alabama” by the varsity mixed choir. My two children were singing, but their enthusiasm and showmanship easily were at opposite ends of the spectrum. Amanda was swaying and clapping and smiling. Ryan was stoic. He was clapping to the beat, but he was not smiling. He was not swaying. I know my brother has made the comment that for high school boys in choir acts, stoic = hetero, and that’s all good, but this was bordering on comical. It was as if we had just told him to eat squash or do the dishes. Then suddenly, he hopped down from the rafters, met his sister in front of the group, and began some swing dance moves -- fancy ones too. There was pep in his step. I didn’t know they were going to do this; heaven knows they don’t practice this at home. For the balance of the show Ryan was the normal magnetic Ryan. He was especially good in “Pretty Woman.”

Amanda’s solo was slated near the end but I was pleased that that one of the earlier solos was Amanda’s friend Abbie. I sat back knowing that the audience was in for a real treat. I’ve heard her sing a lot and let me tell you, this girl can really sing. Really. She did “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and exceeded even my high expectations – blew them away, actually. I kept thinking “Wow.” She did better than Judy Garland. The audience roared.

The show was a treat. Finally, they announced Amanda’s number “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” and the curtain rose to a regal woman wearing a red, sparkly dress and long black gloves. I could scarcely believe that was my baby. Like Abbie, this performance was on a completely different plane than the other kids. Her voice was so strong, so clear. Her every movement and expression captivated the audience. And as good as the song was, apparently she was holding back a little for the final face-melting notes. Again the audience roared. After the show, there was a buzz. (Pictured: Abbie and Amanda celebrating after the show)

One young mother from we know from church told Kara that she wanted to “steal’ Amanda and Ryan-- just wanted to make them hers. Sorry, these two diamonds are mine.