13 is a rough age. You’re riding that fine line between child and adult where things as simple as where you will sit in the cafeteria at lunch, seem to turn into life-or-death situations. Most 13-year olds don’t have enough self-confidence to look another person in the eye. “Most 13-year olds” definitely does not include my friend’s daughter, Carrie.
Last Thursday, Carrie had enough courage to stand up in front of about 1,000 people and not only look them in the eye, but sing her heart out to them in her school’s talent show. The audience loved her and she made her mom cry with pride.
Carrie practiced for that show nearly everyday for about 3 months. When I asked my friend how long in total Carrie has been singing, she replied, “She had her first performance when she was six. Since then, I can’t remember a time when she isn’t singing…something!” She recognized her daughter’s talent and enrolled her in voice lessons, to which she looks forward to once a week.
It’s a finer thing (if not the finest) to watch your child grow, recognize, and develop the traits and talents that make them the unique individual they are (and will become). All the hard work it takes to perfect these talents definitely pays off in moments like these.
Check out Carrie’s flawless performance below:
