That probably sums up exactly what I have agreed to help navigate with my Lil' Diva.
This journey all began a little over 3 years ago. She was about three weeks shy of her 10th birthday, and had just finished watching one of her favorite Disney channel shows when suddenly, rather nonchalantly she stated "I can do that. I want to do what they're doing."
"I'm sure you could", I responded. That is what most parents would say to their child, right? We went about our days as we always do, without much thought given to the declaration Lil' Diva stated that late February evening. That was, until, she brought it up again. "Mom, what do I have to do in order to become an actress?" I stood before her perplexed. What do you do? I have no idea.... I responded with "I am sure you need to start gaining experience by performing in shows, I'm sure. The 10 year old before me responded with.... "Then can you find some shows I can perform in?"
Lil' Diva..... the little beauty who family have often times stated since she was a babe, has a striking resemblance to the fictitious princess, Snow White, has always looked at me with eyes filled with wisdom. She'd attend girl scout meetings and while many of the other girls were acting silly, or sometimes a bit obnoxious, she would sit back watching them with those old soul eyes, appearing cool as a cucumber and prim and proper. She's always carried herself very maturely. She has always been the child who would plan to do something, and then find out exactly how to execute it. Of course, this means she doesn't quite have much in common with many of her peers. Where most children her age are spontaneous, hormonal, and rash.... she thinks things through like a person much older than her almost 13 years. Thankfully, she's been blessed with a handful of great friends.
Being a level headed parent, and seeing she had these big aspirations, I sat her down and spoke to her quite frankly. "Lil Diva, I have tremendous faith in you. You have always been the type of young lady who has set up goals and have done everything possible in order to obtain it. You amaze me! As your mother it is my job to tell you things as it is. I've never been one to sugar coat things for you, because if I did, I would only be hurting you. The path you want to take.... of becoming an actress.... is a difficult one. It takes a tremendous amount of work and dedication. There will be times if you are working on something, that you may not be able to go to that cool party with your friends. Those friends who are not very understanding of what you are doing, will decide not to fill you in on what is going on when you do have time for them. If you are lucky enough to get projects, there may be times when you are not partaking in school activities, and instead be learning by way of a tutor. You may go to hundreds of auditions and be told you are not what they are looking for, over and over again. It can make you feel not so great about yourself. Are you ready to take this on for this dream you are chasing?"
Without skipping a beat, her answer was "Yes".
She looked me in the eye and said "Mom, I may not be what one director wants, but I am sure I will be to another".
And with that, our journey began. She began auditioning for local productions. She didn't get a call back her first time out. Then she auditioned for their next production and made call backs, and didn't get the part at the end. But what amazed me was her reaction. I may have been the type of child to cry, and think maybe this isn't for me. Lil Diva....not so at all. Her response was always "Oh well, when is the next audition". A true indicator she has the proper mindset for the treacherous ordeal involved in the auditioning process. After those first two rejections, she continued on.....and made her first show. Exactly the boost she needed. She's been gracing the stage ever since.
Her beauty, her drive, her dedication....takes my breath away. How could I not stand proudly behind her while she chases this magical dream? I am ready to set out on this adventure and where ever it may lead her.
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