I remember, recently, reading a story about a popular athlete who chose not to play in an important game because his wife was in labor. I also remember some of the comments made. Many were supportive and applauded him for having his priorities straight. Some were not so pleased and made angry and sometimes hateful comments, as they expected him to put everything aside for the sake of the game. But thats just it, its JUST a game. As a professional player, he obviously loves what he does but there will be other games to play. There are important events in life that only happen once. As I am waiting to get the call that my daughter is in labor, I have a lot of time to think. As a performer, I have used the saying, The show must go on!, many times. In my mind, it means that no matter what kind of day Ive had, whats happening backstage, what might be going wrong with costumes, props, lights, etc., that the show is the priority. Finish the show. However, Ive never believed that that saying applies when it comes to important life events, such as your own child having her first child, or really any situation where someone important in your life really needs you. As the time of little Masons birth draws near, I am increasingly aware that that call could come in the middle of a performance and the truth is, if that happened, I would leave right then and there. Some might say thats unprofessional. I dont care. I am a Mom first. That doesnt mean that I dont take what I do seriously, that its not important to me and anyone who knows me and has worked with me, in the past, will tell you that I AM professional. What it does mean is that I have my priorities straight. My loved ones will ALWAYS come first. Sure, my daughter will probably have more children, and I plan to be there for those as well, but Mason will only be born into this world once. I cant rewind the event and attend at my convenience. This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. I wont miss it!
Posted on: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 13:25:21 +0000