When the words just aren't there!

Br. and W. had their district competition with 4-H. They had to earn enough points through auditions and a showcase to do this competition, so I was proud of them.

In a karate costume loaned by a friend, Br. had practiced "Kung Fu Fighting" for the umteenth millionth time in the car. He had shown us his dance moves (and this kid is all arms and legs - so funny). He seemed SOOO prepared.

But then, it happened...what every stage performer dreads most. He had just finished the first chorus and was moving on and a blank look came over his face and his body stopped moving. He forgot EVERYTHING.

His long eyelashes showed the shadows on his cheeks, while the expression on his face showed the shadow on his heart. It doesn't take much to upset him, so no amount of "That's O.K. That happens to EVERYBODY!" made one bit of difference to him. I think he has stage fright. What's more, he wants no part of presentations of performances.

You know, I think you HAVE to present yourself in uncomfortable situations many times. We have a whole year to work on next year. He has a beautiful voice, but he may not sing. I'll try to encourage him to at least do a presentation. If he stops dead in his tracks due to one bad incidence, I'm afraid he will give up "getting out there" for good.

Jonathan is a little on the quiet side. Br. probably gets that from him, but Jonathan is in TOTAL agreement with me that one of the BEST qualities we can give our children is the ability to vocally express themselves in front of others. He has gone through MUCH special training for communication and wishes he had been given more encouragement as a child to try speeches, presentations, etc...

In the mean time, it will take a LOOONG time to help Br. build up his confidence. He'll get there.