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Tonight my husband reminded me of a poem that I sent him when we first met.  

I don’t remember where or who this originally came from.  But, I feel it is so appropriate.

 And, I’d also like to present it as a nod to an old friend who is hugely pregnant right now and due on my birthday.

 So, with much love…here it is…..

The Song of A Life

When a woman in a certain African tribe knows she is pregnant, she
goes out into the wilderness with a few friends and together they pray
and meditate until they hear the song of the child.

They recognize that every soul has its own vibration that expresses
its unique flavor and purpose.

When the women attune to the song, they sing it out loud. Then they
return to the tribe and teach it to everyone else.

When the child is born, the community gathers and sings the child’s
song to him or her. Later, when the child enters education, the village
gathers and chants the child’s song.

When the child passes through the initiation to adulthood, the
people again come together and sing. At the time of marriage, the person
hears his or her song.

Finally, when the soul is about to pass from this world, the family
and friends gather at the person’s bed, just as they did at their birth,
and they sing the person to the next life.

In the African tribe, there is one other occasion upon which the
villagers sing to the child.

If at any time during his or her life, the person commits a crime or
aberrant social act, the individual is called to the center of the
village and the people in the community form a circle around them.
Then they sing their song to them.

The tribe recognizes that the correction for antisocial behavior is not
punishment; it is love and the remembrance of identity. When you
recognize your own song, you have no desire or need to do anything that
would hurt another.

A friend is someone who knows your song and sings it to you when
you have forgotten it.

Those who love you are not fooled by mistakes you have made or
dark images you hold about yourself.

They remember your beauty when you feel ugly; your wholeness
when you are broken; your innocence when you feel guilty; and your
purpose when you are confused.

You may not have grown up in an African tribe that sings your song
to you at crucial life transitions, but life is always reminding you when
you are in tune with yourself and when you are not.

When you feel good, what you are doing matches your song, and
when you feel awful, it doesn’t.

- Author Unknown

Today was the “Easter Bonnet” which is a Broadway fundraiser for Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS.  I worked on Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” for 5 years of my NYC life.  I dressed the ladies ensemble and was responsible for the Enchantress trick. 

During my time at “Beast” I made some wonderful friends, learned how to SCUBA dive, got kicked in the eye during a fast change, lost a friend/coworker to cancer (he was 37…the age I am now), and met and married my husband.  Lots of life changes.  “Beast” is closing this summer…hence the last year in the “Easter Bonnet”….and all former cast and crew were invited to take part.

I stood on the stage holding the hand of on of my girlfriends and tried to sing the end of the Finale…emphasis on tried.  I really couldn’t stop smiling.  I think I even had goosebumps at one point.  The lights were so bright that I couldn’t see the audience but I tried to look in the direction of my sweet husband who was sitting in the mezzanine.

I realized two things today.  First, I am happy that I choose to leave my profession as a dresser and move on to other things.  However and second, I do miss the companionship that I had at “Beast”.  But, many of the gals I loved the most have also moved on with their lives.   I saw a few of them today…and recaptured the feeling of community that for a short time I shared with some very exceptional and talented folks.

This summer is my 20th year anniversary high school reunion.

I would classify myself as “well known” in high school, but definitely not popular. Even my grade school seemed like a popularity contest. First, it seemed like if you weren’t good in sports, you weren’t good in anything…that thanks to Mr. T. the gym teacher. There were even two distinct cliques….the friends of Kris Vasko and the friends of Kim Scheible. Kris was a jock with the most beautiful blond feathered hair and Kim was pretty and allowed to wear makeup at a very young age. I have nothing against either one of these gals…I’m just retelling how it was in elementary school. My dearest friend from age 3 was Cindy Finck. Cindy had a beautiful voice and by all accounts she should have been on Broadway more than I should have…now, she is a very successful nurse.

When I reached Junior High I felt like a whole new person. Finally I had met some really cool girls that were more like me. Wendy Lustig, Sarah Bufton, and Jane Sinagub. There was also David Gilman….ah David. In 8^th grade he dared me to try out for the high school cheerleading squad. I did and made the JV squad as a freshman…which was almost unheard of. The only other freshman girl that made JV was Jill Dreikosen. Funny how we remember peoples first and last names.

Then came high school. I was so socially stupid in high school. I was way to boy crazy for my own good and started dating way too young. That fact really screwed up my friendships with the girls from junior high…and if any of you are ever reading this…I’m Sorry.

Cheerleading was a blast and lead me to a wise woman who was our cheerleading advisor. Shout out to Bette Locklear wherever you are!!! Bette not only taught us how to cheer…she taught us valuable lessons on how to be a good person. I hit a vulnerable point in high school and got sucked into the A of G church. Enough said about that. I also got involved with the high school theatre productions. That seemed to be one of the only places I felt like I could be myself…and of course was much more at ease behind the scenes than on the stage. Who knew that would eventually lead to a job on Broadway.

So, the reunion. I have never attended one. When the 5 year was scheduled I was working in Utah, 10 year, I was out on tour, 20 year…I’m busy in NYC…

I am all ready planning a trip to Wisconsin for later in the summer. And, really…I’m in contact with the people that I knew and cared about. And thanks to classmates.com, have found a few more.

So, I won’t be attending my 20 year reunion. But, I am here…in this very public place…for anyone who would like to find me.