Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Pride



"Do you ever tire of it?" I asked Becky.
"Never," she answered. "In fact, it still makes me cry sometimes."

I've heard Dani sing a thousand times, but Monday night was the first time I've seen her perform for an audience. She's performed at camp for a couple of years running, but I didn't get to see those.

This night, she was plugged in for the first time, using Luke's guitar and sound system, and opening for Poor Rich Folk at Fortress's Monday Night Coffee House. I was worried. Do you have a stool? Have you practiced with Luke's guitar? How do you know you'll be comfortable playing it? Don't you need to do a sound check? Dani answered each question with a roll of the eyes. "Mom. It's oh.kay. Chill."

I sat front and center and took pictures like a good scrapbooking Mom should. Someday, when Dani's accepting her statue for songwriting, they'll flash this picture up on the screen.

She performed beautifully and with such grace. Not a nervous bone in her body. She just went up there, sat down, introduced her songs by explaining why she wrote them and what they mean, and then she played. So comfortably. So beautifully. So easily.

"She has a beautiful voice," said Becky. "It's the kind of voice I always wished I had - silvery." I thought that was the neatest description. I wiped away the silent, hot tear that was rolling down my cheek. SO proud. My daughter, the singer-songwriter. Her lyrics, so deep and mature and meaningful. Powerful.

A few minutes later, when Luke took the stage with Poor Rich Folk and settled into his music, I watched Becky as she watched her son. I could see the pride and joy in her face. I could feel it, even. It's true what she said : you never DO get tired of it. And sometimes, it still makes her cry.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

She is amazing. I am so proud of her. I wish I could have heard. Maybe Saturday she can play again. Love you! Bot

Anonymous said...

Oh now you made me cry too just reading about it! Congrats to you for that wonderful mommy moment!

Sherry said...

Wow. I am sitting here with my instant mac n cheese reading your blog and now I'm streaming tears into the bowl. Didn't expect that to happen. I can imagine how you feel. What types of songs does she write? Thanks for sharing. I always think of my little ones when you write about yours. I wish I could put into words what I feel the way you can. I know, just do it. :0) Sherry

Anonymous said...

Dani is awesome!!! I love her.

Menjiness said...

You go DANI! How cool is that?! Looking forward to seeing you name in lights :)

Anonymous said...

Wow!! Way to go, Dani!

Veronica said...

Awesome! I'd love to hear her sing one day :)

Unknown said...

Can Dani provide some entertainment at SSTX4? I'd love to hear her play and sing...what an awesome experience, for both of you!
Jonesee