Hurdles

No one likes rejection. It's hard. It's especially hard when it's your kids that are dealing with rejection, not you.

Last year my kids tried out for the school play. That alone was a milestone for Linsey who was much to shy to audition the previous years. She and Hunter mustered up all their courage and gave it their best shot. All along I encouraged them promising them that everyone got a part and to just go out there and do their best.

Well, I was wrong, up until that year everyone got a part. Not anymore. By the time I found out, it was too late. I couldn't even warn my kids that they might not get a part. The cast was chosen, a list was posted, and neither of my kids names were on the list.

Hunter just couldn't understand, to him the decision had already been made. He had decided he was going to do the play and to suddenly be told he couldn't didn't make sense in his kindergarten mind. I would have prepared him better if I'd only known. Linsey felt very left out with all of her friends chosen, all but her. I was heart broken, they were devastated, there were tears. We picked up and moved on. The kids even went to the play to watch their friends perform. I didn't.

I encouraged the kids not to give up, but to try out again another year. I worried that after this bad experience, they may never have the desire to try out for anything again. It came so fast. The kids started bring home fliers about this year's school play and I waited to see what they would say. Would they want to try out? Should I encourage them, or protect them? They could always wait til next year right?

I was a little surprised when they both asked me if they could try out again. We practiced and this time, I prepared them better. They went to tryouts knowing that there would be cuts. Linsey had been sick and even missed school on the day of tryouts, but she was determined. She really wanted to be in the play this year. I was nervous, maybe more nervous than my kids.

Tryouts last nearly 2 hours. Parents are not invited to watch. I had a sneaking suspicion that Linsey might get a part this year, but I worried that Hunter wouldn't. The music teacher doesn't select many kids from the K-3 grades.

Last night, the dreaded list was posted on the school website. I quickly scanned it, searching for my kids names and there I saw it... Linsey! Yes! I searched and then realized that my sneaking suspicion was right on, Hunter's name was not on the list... again! Darn.

I called Linsey in my room and showed her the list. We celebrated! This is a big accomplishment for my somewhat shy (at least in front of a group), timid girl. I'm so proud of her and I'm really grateful that she gets the opportunity to do this.

Then, I called Hunter in my room and broke the bad news. He was sad, but he was okay. He saw Linsey's name and his eyes lit up... "Mom, Linsey made it! Her name is on the list!" He was so excited for his big sister and wanted to run and break the news to her. I let him and she played along like she didn't already know. He said, "Mom I'm sad that I didn't make the play, but I'm so happy that Linsey did and now we can go watch her." I gave him a hug and told him how sorry I was that they couldn't both be in the play. He said, "It's okay mom, I'm going to try out every year!"

I'm sure at some point, even if it's 5th grade, he'll see his name on that list too.

I don't know who I am more proud of. I think both Linsey and Hunter made it over their own hurdles.