A letter to my Son: Because you are my Star

A letter to my Son… Because you are my Star

December 13, 2012 at 10:17pm

Ballroom Dancing..

Not words you would associate with a 9 year old boy. Tonight, however, that would change for me.  My son’s school participated in a program where 4th graders were taught ballroom dancing styles. Merengue, salsa, rhumba, and the swing to name a few. At the end of the program, 12 students from each school were chosen to participate in a city wide competition. Last week my son would be the most shocked I have ever seen him. He was one of the 12 chosen from his school to compete in the quarter finals. The two winning teams [out of 6] from the quarter finals would move on.

Shocked. Amazed. A little in doubt… REALLY? MY son. MY Justin? HOW in the hell???

And so today was the day. We visit a public school in Williamsburg. And for the very first time I get see my son’s happy feet….

I am tearing again at the thought of watching him, escort his partner to the middle of the room, hold her gently in their dance stance, and their feet slowly start to move in sync…

REALLY? MY son. MY Justin? HOW in the hell???

His grace, his poise, his posture, HIS SMILE… He led her through the moves. Talking to her to calm her nerves. He was nervos himself but he kept his composure so well…. My little boy, was a complete gentleman and I was the proudest Mom in the room tonight. I can assure you no one there was more proud than me.

They danced a few practice routines as one huge group to show us parents what they have learned. He danced the Tango with his partner as his competing dance and the Merengue as his surprise pick dance.

It’s not easy telling a bunch of 9 and 10 year olds “You are going to learn this. You are going to figure it out.. You are going to befriend this person. You are going to like it. You are going to master it to the best of your ability. And you are going to commit to it…. In addition, you are going to represent your team, your school and your family. You are going to perform in front of strangers. And you are going to BE PROUD” I can tell you 99% of the adults you utter those words to would probably run in the opposite direction. Not these kids. Not my son.

His dance instructor approached me “You must be Justin’s parents. Can I have a word with you Mom? Your son. He is gifted. His coordination, some of the best I have seen in many years. He has a gift. A strong one. Please, do what you must and nurture it.” Of course I immediately attributed it to his MMA training. He has been taught by some of the best how to commit and dedicate himself to something. How to have discipline and even when it gets tough to push through it. He slightly rebuttled “Yes, that is fostering it. But your son has natural ability. NATURAL talent. He is lucky. Whatever it may be that he is interested in, hone it now. Before it is too late.” It appears that Justin may be a natural athlete. And now, it is my responsibility to nurture it… I have no choice. It’s his purpose. And I seem to be lucky enough to find it now. I am terrified.

My Boy… Mama was watching you from across the room whisking your partner with your happy little feet. You ‘shook your pockets’ like nobody’s business. You AMAZED me. I was truly speechless when you hit that dance floor. And I am oh so proud of you today. You rocked it. And today you were the  brightest star in the room… THANK YOU for giving me this memory. THANK YOU for reminding me how wonderful you are and for showing the WORLD that anything is simply possible… as long as you put YOUR HEART in to it…

You teach me more than I could ever teach you…

Keep up the amazing work.

Always remember… Life is full of amazing things. Always take a minute to smell the flowers by your feet. Feel the Sun on your face. Let the Rain cleanse your soul. Love with all that you have. Laugh with every breath. Live with purpose. Fight for your dreams. Reach for the Stars, Moon and Sun… Believe in you… cause I do. And remember, that I will always be here… right by your side… cheering you on.

Love always & forever – your biggest fan,

Mom