Day 1 - {A date from heaven}

I was inspired by you, Andrea, and what your mom suggested to help you through your difficult days. My mom says, too, that it will help to focus every day on something I am grateful for.

 

So, I hereby begin 100 Days of Gratitude!

 

DAY 1

I can't believe I almost didn't ever post about this. The only reason I remembered was because I was trying to think of something I'm grateful for! :)

A couple of weeks ago (10/3/08) I took the boys to Arkansas Symphony's Children's Concert. This is a tradition for us--it's a way for the boys to get to see Daddy at work. There was a surprise guest artist there from Cirque de la Symphonie (affiliated with Cirque de Soleil--a few of their artists tour and collaborate with symphony orchestras). The group had been booked for the Pops concerts that weekend, and one of them volunteered to come entertain during the Children's Concert that day.

All of us were mesmerized, and I left the concert burning with curiosity for what the grownup concert would be like, especially when DC showed me the music they would be playing for them! It included such treats as the March from Prokofiev's "Love for Three Oranges", Saint-Saens' "Bacchanale", Bartok's "Roumanian Dances",  and Bach's "Toccata and Fugue".

I wanted REALLY, REALLY badly to go.

But there was no way.

Not only could we not afford a ticket (DC could get them half-price, but we heard they started at $50!), but we also were not in the running to be able to get a babysitter. I gave up on the idea, hoping that someday perhaps they would come again, and I would have another chance.

That evening during DC's rehearsal, my friend Stephanie stopped by, just to visit. We talked for a couple of hours, about all kinds of things. (I guess I had really needed a listening ear--what's new?!) She asked if I was going to Chris's concert, and I explained why I wasn't. She said, "Well, I'd be happy to watch the boys for you."

Wow!! This was a truly awesome gift. Stephanie is just coming back to church, facing some pretty hard challenges, due to her husband's lack of support. She teaches 3rd grade and has 3 kids of her own. She is so, so busy, and has many of her own trials. That she would be willing to do this meant a LOT. I couldn't very well let the price of the ticket stand in my way now!

I got online and found that there were tickets starting at $17 way up in the nosebleed section. With DC's discount, that would be $8.50. We could handle that! :)

It felt so, so good to get all dressed up and head out the door with my handsome violinist husband in his tux. I even put on perfume for the first time in ages! I actually felt beautiful, even though I'm still 20 pounds overweight. It was awesome!

We realized on the way there that it has been months since we went on a date outside our home together. I can't tell you how great it felt! I really, really needed this. DC worried that I wouldn't be able to see very well from the upper balcony, but I told him I didn't mind. I was just so happy to be able to go relax away from home.

DC dropped me off at the ticket office, and I went in and asked for a ticket with my musician-spouse discount. The ticket office lady said, "You're a musician's wife? Here, let me give you this ticket. Someone just turned it in, it's already paid for, go enjoy!" She handed me a $50 ticket for the middle of the mezzanine! I almost started crying right there in front of her.

Like I said, a date from heaven. Or rather, a date from Heavenly Father! This was such a miracle to me! To sit and enjoy the beauty of live music and the artistry of those amazing dancers was so soothing to my spirit.

Thank You, dear Father! Thank You for a compassionate friend, for a free ticket, for powerful music, for the agility and grace of the human body, and for eyes, ears, and heart to enjoy this special evening.