What I Want to Remember

It's been a month since Aliza played Ariel in The Little Mermaid. I've let this sit for a month because I wasn't sure what I wanted to write. I've decided that there are some things I want to remember. 

I want to remember how excited Aliza was when she called to tell me she was cast as Ariel. 

I want to remember how important theater was this year as Aliza transitioned from high school to college. 

I want to remember the pure joy Aliza had through every stage of the production--rehearsals,  practicing at home, tech week, and shows. 

I want to remember that Aliza was the last one to leave every rehearsal so that her director would not have to leave the building in the dark alone. 

I want to remember the car rides Aliza and I had to and from the theater during Tech Week.

I want to remember how this cast was friends, had fun together, were positive and encouraging to each other and that the drama was limited.

I want to remember the first time I heard Aliza sing Part of Your World during tech week--it left me with such a feeling that I called my brother and told him that I actually did want him to see the show.

I want to remember how my heart nervous fluttered during the shows that Aliza played Ariel. 

I want to remember how proud I felt to see Aliza living this dream of hers in this setting that is completely her own. 

I want to remember how Aliza battled comparison AND purely encouraged and built up the other girl casted as Ariel.

I want to remember that Aliza got to be in The Littler Mermaid with Renee and Lydia.

I want to remember how Charlie (King Triton) could hardly bring himself to "yell" at Aliza (Ariel) and how Aliza had to really practice how to be an angry rebellious daughter.

I want to remember what it felt like to watch my daughter pretend to fall in love on stage.

I want to remember how much fun Aliza and Guy had playing Ariel and Prince Eric together.

I want to remember how sick Aliza was feeling during the 2nd weekend of shows and how she would not let it stop her--from singing or smiling.

I want to remember how kind and respectful Guy always was to Aliza.

I want to remember how no one knew my name, but they knew I was "Aliza's Mom."

I want to remember how special Aliza made every little girl feel when they came up to meet Ariel.

I want to remember how MANY family and friends came to watch the show.

I want to remember how the show weekends were moments that I knew Aliza was flying and building her own life, independent of me and Jeremy.