Friday, July 13, 2007

Flashback Fridays


This picture means a lot to me for it was a moment in time that I had always wanted to happen. It was taken after the Spring Gala Concert for ETC All American Youth Show Choir in 1984 (or 85). This concert took place at EJ Thomas Hall in Akron, and my grandparents came to see my brother and I perform. I can honestly say that this moment is one that I will always cherish, because my grandma told me how proud she was of me and how well I performed.

Considering that I never felt a lot of love (or any other emotion for that matter) from my grandma, I have to say it was one of the happiest moments I can remember with her. On the other hand, my grandpa (I am actually tearing up as I write this), my grandpa was always there to support and give praise. I loved him so dearly. He was – and still is a major influence in my life. I continue to lean on him for support and encouragement, even though he has passed away.

This was a very difficult time in my life for me personally. I look back at this picture and am still keenly aware of the pain I was feeling. I was struggling with my sexuality, I was struggling with my weight, and I was struggling just trying to make it through being a regular teen-ager. But the only time I wasn’t struggling was when I was on stage. There I could be anyone other than myself. I could make people happy – even my grandma.

When I need to be close to my grandparents, I look at this picture and reflect on this special moment in time. I chose this picture to be my first Friday Flashback simply because of the joy I felt at that moment – like I could do anything, be anything, but most of all be happy and know that I was loved.

Peace.Live.Love.
JPB

1 comment:

Jodi said...

Typo: Charissa
The link for my website is www.musicaljodibeck.blogspot.com the one you are using takes you to my first blog. And Charissa stole Flashback Fridays from someone else. I like them they break up the pace of the blog.