THE NOT SO STAY-AT-HOME MOM
By Cynthia Grimm/ info@longislandernews.com

Grade School Musical

I did it!

For the first time in my parental life, I just got back from seeing Charlie in a school play. Multi-tasking my patootie off to get work done early so I could be there to witness the pageantry and spectacle of his first grade production, I was ready to finally be the mom that goes to the school play AND the after party.

I am woman, hear me ask for time off from work!

The guilt after missing last year’s play was enormous. Dave got the morning off so he could attend, but I, still being a newbie to the workplace, was afraid to ask. So later that night, while Dave played back the shaky video of the event, I couldn’t help but wonder if this is how the life of the working mom goes: watching fuzzy playback of screeching children and trying in vain to pick out the one that’s yours, because your husband has yet to figure out the zoom button on the camera. Which of course he never used before, because during my SAHM days, I did all the video. And the pictures. And all the fun stuff that I don’t have time for anymore.

Until today. In fact, after getting home late from work last night, I was furiously hot-gluing ribbons and felt onto Charlie’s jacket, transforming it into his costume. Which he loved by the way. Seeing your boy up on stage playing with the ribbons on his costume rather than singing the chorus to the song is every mother’s dream.

So this being my first foray into school theatre,  I was a bit taken aback by the lavishness of the “after party.” It’s first grade. I figured the requisite box of Entenmanns and some carrot sticks were acceptable. Imagine my chagrin when I laid eyes on the tiered trays and platters brought by the other kids’ moms that could rival my wedding cocktail hour. I had no clue the pre-pre-teen daytime soirée was so swanky. But hey, I glued ribbons on a costume AND made it to the play; there would be no guilt pangs today thank you…and Charlie loves Entenmanns anyway.

So, back to the boy’s acting ability… that kid has a future. So long as kabuki theater stages a comeback. Charlie, when he decided to join the cast, was the loudest, hammiest kid up there, taking several bows regardless of who’s solo was being applauded. Although, I have to say, and not just because he’s a blood relative, but man, can that kid be on stage! Not necessarily act, but rather be on stage and be loud and use large waving gestures. He was awesome! By the end of the play, everyone knew I was “Charlie’s mom” since he kept waving and asking if the video was on.

That’s my boy. And I finally got to see him live and in person. Of course, I’ll probably still watch the video after work…