Aww Man, You Shoulda Seen it...

I just came from the 2006 Talent Show at my daughter's elementary school. All the kids were sweet and precious--karate acts, gymnastics routines with pounding back beat rhythms, etc. But I was so proud of Daddy's little girl. She's only in second grade, but she's wanted to be in the talent show since last year. It was wonderful. She played Beethoven's Ode to Joy--in an arrangement for young piano students--and her piano teacher took the time to come and play the duet accompaniment (which added a lot, no doubt). I was so proud of Twila for her ambition and the follow-through--being by nature shy in large groups. And the duet was just perfect. After all the MC Hammer acts and all the noise (and feedback on the speakers), something pure and simple on the piano was a beautiful contrast. I loved it, both as a father and as an audience member. I really was proud of her, and just had to mention it.

And that is not to say she's a virtuoso. I think she's an normal 8-year-old pianist: she likes to play but practicing is sort of hit-or-miss. But with extracurricular activities, just being involved and staying with it is enough. Whether it's piano, basketball, tee-ball, or whatever. I just want my kids to have fun and to learn about effort and endurance. That's what makes the difference in the long run, isn't it? Talent plays a role, but not quitting is the real key. Like Churchill said when London was being bombed into rubble night after night after night:

Never, never, never, never,

never give up.