Two weeks ago, Micah and I watched the 1986 movie, Little Shop of Horrors. I wanted to familiarize Micah with the story, the characters, and the music before his next theater camp featuring the play by the same name. We were both thoroughly entertained by this zany film, and afterward agreed that the next four weeks were going to be a lot of fun. Again, I was reminded of how blessed we are to live in a community that offers a variety of summer theater programs for our kids, especially those that are inclusive of those with special needs.
That said, I wondered how it would go. Rehearsals would run nine a.m. to four p.m. Monday through Thursday, and I would be hanging around for all of them. In previous years, for summer days camps, I would enlist a caregiver to tag along with Micah, mainly to assist with diabetes care. This year, I am without helpers, so it will fall on me–dear old Mom. I wish he could be totally independent, but I still feel it would be careless to leave him to fend for himself. Still, I can’t help feeling like I might be perceived a clingy, helicopter mom, always close by, annoying child and teachers alike just by my presence.
When camp began last week, I tried to stay in the background as much as possible, sitting outside the practice area with my laptop and books, checking on Micah only when necessary. I did leave the building (an almost defunct shopping mall) now and then, but only for an hour or so at a time; that’s all I feel comfortable with right now. Just when and how much I can leave him is something I’m trying to figure out.
The first time I returned, I found him sitting amongst his fellow thespians, listening to the director talk about the story line, what the cast should really strive to convey through this play. There was my son, elbows on his thighs, leaning in, trying to understand. He was fine.
On Wednesday, after Tuesday’s auditions, we learned he landed two parts: the customer and Mr. Martin. Twenty lines and two costume changes…what more could we ask? Pleased as punch were we! Let the rehearsals commence!
Stay tuned.