A Dancer's Mom

It has been ten years now that I have been the Mom to someone in "showbiz." This year I think I have finally graduated into being a veteran.

1.  I no longer get upset when rehearsal times change - I expect it. Because I expect it, I don't even write the schedule down until I get the timing the week before. And even then, I just print it out and wait for yet another change. 
2. I have figured out that it will mean other normal things get cancelled. Rehearsals will be at unusual hours, unusual days. nothing will be the same as the "show" gets closer to production... and that's OK. I now just brush it off that she will be missing physiotherapy or some other important event in her week. She may even miss a church service or two.
3. I don't go to everything anymore. I used to go to every performance but a couple years ago I started to miss some of them. If she has a large role or has choreographed something like she did last year with the kids program, I'll go, but otherwise, I'm not as regular.
4.  I am relying on others rather than myself. I rely on others to be backstage for costumes and makeup and hair, and all organizational issues. Most importantly, I am relying on others to take the photos! I love photos. It's how I see the world due to my limited vision. But I now don't go to the dress rehearsals in order to get photos and videos. I may not get everything I want or have Monica at the centre of the photo, but it will do.
5. I have a new perspective. Instead of looking at her work with Propeller Dance as a child putting on a recital that parents attend, I see it strictly as her job - which it is of course. And yet, a job in which people can pay to go observe every now and then.

It should be interesting to see how the next ten years unfold!