It’s grand watching kids perform
May 30, 2012 3:00PM
Updated: July 6, 2012 8:58AM
When I read Carrol Vertrees’ column Sunday, I sure could relate to his pride in watching his granddaughter’s performance on stage.
When our children, then our grandchildren, were young, whatever they were involved in — sports, choir, plays, etc. — we were there to cheer and praise. And it even gets better when it’s great-grandchildren.
Addie, our 5-year-old cutie, was in her first stage production recently after taking drama lessons at Chicago Street Theater. Without any prejudice, she was the best Fairy Godmoth (yes, it was “insects” instead of people) that ever played the part — and the most adorable.
Then, 3-year-old Simon showed off his tumbling talents at Perpetual Motion, where every child in the program had the chance to be applauded.
Were our little ones perfect? Nope, except in the eyes and hearts of two very proud great-grandparents.
I hope all of you some day are as blessed as we and the Vertreeses have been. It sure keeps you feeling young, keeping children in your life (until you look in the mirror).
Did you take time from food, fun and family on Memorial Day to spend a few moments to focus on a silent prayer of thanks for the hundreds of thousands of men and women who have given their lives or are permanently disabled just to keep our country free?
Barney and I visited two cemeteries — in Valparaiso to see his brother’s grave and say thanks for giving his life in World War II, then off to Chesterton to see our Marine nephew’s grave.
We really were touched and, quite honestly, surprised to see small American flags decorating many graves, all placed by tombstones of veterans. Whether it was members from the American Legion or other veterans group, individuals, or any other group, we sincerely thank you for taking so much time to recognize their sacrifices. Whoever you are, you are my pet persons of the week.
It is also heartwarming for those of us who still get goosebumps while singing or listening to patriotic music to drive or walk down Lincolnway in Valparaiso, where the Lions Club again has Old Glory proudly waving throughout the town. Thanks for the reminder of what our land is all about.
All the practices, paper work and frustrations will seem worth it when 136 Special Olympics athletes and coaches board buses Thursday to head for Indiana State University in Terre Haute for the three-day Indiana State Summer Games.
It is the largest event of the year, and has every swimmer, bocce player, volleyball star and track athlete ready to do his or her best while having fun dancing, playing games and being cheered during opening ceremonies.
Our own Michael Byerly will be the featured singer at opening ceremonies, which just adds to our Porter County pride.
Give a cheer for them!
Then, I hope you have a great day because you deserve it.
Thanks for reading.
Fly your flag.
