The end of Annie

I have not written for a while as I have been consumed with rehearsals and performances of "Annie" at the Scera these past few months.  Tomorrow (Sat May 14) will be our final show.  I have had a blast playing Miss Hannigan and performing along side my daughters, Brinley, Bailey, and Olivia.  I am anxious to resume the home life and get back to a little more normalcy.  Still, I have loved being part of the creative process of this show and the thrill of performing.  Brendon has been so supportive and good to me once again, taking on the night watch while I am gone.  It has been a fantastic cast full of a lot of great people--some old friends and many new.   And great bunch of kids that have been crazy but so talented as the orphans.  So grateful to my director, Jennifer Reed, and choreographers, Sunny Watts, and Shawn Mortensen, and music director, Kathryn Little.  I still can't believe I walked in to that audition bald as can be and a bit sickly, still going through this cancer process, and they took a chance on me...pushing me to do my best and supportive all the way.  They made the show so awesome.  I feel so grateful to have been able to do this and push myself.  It was so hard at times.  I stressed and worried and was tired and run down so many times during rehearsals.  At times I wondered what I had gotten myself into, doubting if I could pull this part off with the effects of radiation still so strong.  I have felt the power of the Lord in helping me along this journey.  Trying to remember lines, blocking, dance moves, songs etc. finally came.   I'm grateful to have shared this experience with my daughters.  It brought some fun and joyful memories to lighten the load of some unpleasant ones of the recent past.  I am so grateful to the family, friends, and neighbors who showed up in support.  Those shows were so much fun and amazing to be surrounded with so much love.  2nd night open groups of my family and friends came to the show wearing pink in support and I could not hold back the tears at the sight. A week later more groups of neighbors and friends came in support.  And many shows since have been filled with supportive friends and family.  It is overwhelming to me.  And often folks will come up to me after the show to share their story of cancer survivor or of someone they knew.  It is humbling.  I did it.  I am happy for this opportunity and blessings which are so prevalent.    It is thrilling to work hard and feel happy.