LITTLE LAMB

Its rare that I write about anything that isn't theater related and when I do its because its something that means a lot to me personally or its something that has struck a chord with me.  

Typically, I'm not one to became that wrapped up in complete stragers lives,  but the story of Madeline Alice Spohr is one that I won't soon forget.  

I don't remember how I became acquainted with the Spohr family, but I found out that they had a little girl named Maddie who wasn't well.  When children suffer, it breaks my heart.  Having not known anything about Maddie, I began reading her journey through her mother's blog.  Though this little girl had gone through a tremendous amount in her 17 months of life,  I was struck by how happy and full of life she looked.  Maddie had this incredible smile that just lit up a room -- and this my room...via photos through my computer!  I had never seen any child with such expressive eyes and such an infectious smile!  I remember coming home after a long and frustrating day at work (feeling particularly annoyed) and while reading about Maddie, saw this:

Seriously?  Are you kidding me?  I couldn't help but to smile right back at the screen!  Seeing her bright, shining face made me feel better and put a smile on my own face.  The crazy thing is that I didn't know her or her family.  Somehow though, I was compelled to continue reading and check up on her and her family.  This little girl was born 11 weeks premature and initially, it wasn't clear if she was going to survive.  Yet she did, for 17 months.  I was really pulling for Maddie and I wanted to know she was able to come home and would be ok.  When I found out she had passed away, I was heartbroken for her and her entire family.  I can't even imagine how they feel, but the Spohrs are trying to focus their energies into something positive in honor of their baby.

Maddie's mom, Heather wrote about what she and her husband are doing to help others and   this is why the March of Dimes is important to their family.  Per a recent post from Heather about some of their efforts:

I have tried to do some good through all of this. Tried to find some purpose, something to occupy my days and help Maddie’s name live on. I want her to be associated with wonderful things, and not the terrible sadness of her passing.

Parents for Preemies is a grassroots fundraiser where local establishments sell paper “baby blocks” to raise much needed funds for the March of Dimes. You can help by supporting your local retail businesses and organizations when they ask for a contribution for the March of Dimes - they’ll take as little as a dollar. Or, if you are really super motivated, you can pitch the campaign to your local establishments!

Thinking of Heather on this Mother's Day and donating in honor of Maddie.  My heart goes out to you!

OTHER PEOPLE'S STORIES

As a blog writer, I have to admit this whole thing feels a little self indulgent sometimes.  I write (predominantly) about theater and am always pleasantly surprised when people actually read this thing.  I mean, most people are not racing to read my blog (no offense taken) and those that do, are in perfect company with myself and the other big theatre geeks.  There are a lot of blogs out there that touch on not-so-important points, topics, issues, etc. but like mine, a lot aren't really filled with amazing writing.  Yet, when I stumbled upon Matt Logelin's blog recently, I discovered something pretty darned amazing (his story is so heartbreaking and I couldn't begin to do it justice, so if you are so inclined, you can read about his story here first or the feature written in the Star Tribune).

From the day I first heard of Matt and his story, I was rivited.  I sat and read the entire blog from "cover to cover".  His story made me (mostly) cry but I also laughed and my heart ached for this new family.  It has become something that I check daily, curious to see how Matt & his daughter are doing.  I knew just how much it affected me when I recently saw a robot (something frequently mentioned in the blog) necklace and thought of the blog or when I was at Amoeba today and again thought of the blog.  Yes, this is weird because I don't know them, but I can't help but to find myself really rooting for them and as he writes about days that are less painful, it brings a smile to my face.  

This whole story has got me thinking again about how important a father's role is in their child's life.  I'm sure Matt couldn't possibly imagine doing anything less for his daughter than he's doing now.   And I'm sure that Matt doesn't really think of himself as a "hero" per se, but just being a good father and being the kind of father that would make his wife and daughter proud.  A good father is rare these days it seems and his blog just reminds me how great a father Matt is to his baby girl and it brings tears to my eyes.  Dads, take note and Liz...you were a very lucky lady (though I can bet that Matt and all of your friends & family thought they were the lucky ones for having known you).

Is it really bizarre for me to write all of this?  See, this is why having this blog is self-indulgent.  Anyone who reads this entry though...please do visit Matt's blog, its some of the best writing I've read in ages...and it will forever affect your heart.

THE LAST GOODBYE

I don't know why I feel as drawn to the story of James Kim as I do. From the first time I saw the posting of the missing Kim family on CNN.com, it became a part of me. Like the thousands of other people who have been hoping and praying for a happy ending, we believed that it had to end positively. I believed because there was something in the beautiful photo of James with his daughter that radiated strength and love. I didn't know James Kim and only vaguely remembered his name from the few times I read reviews on CNET.com, but I saw in that photo and in subsequent photos of James with his family, a man was devoted to his family. After all, at the end of the day, aren't the people who you love and who love you back what really count in life?

Though the story of James Kim ended unfortunately and tragically, it was also filled with great hope. The hope that in this world deep love and devotion might truly exist. He made me believe just a little more in myself, a little more in the people around me and reminded me that doing things for the people you love -- helping them -- no matter how big or small is always the right thing to do. In his final struggle to obtain help for his family, James tirelessly forged ahead to save them. The man is a true hero and while I have never met him, James' plight to help his family opened my heart to see the love he had for his wife and two young daughters.

This story helped me believe that there is good in this world and what lengths a person will go to in the true name of love. I admire James Kim for all that he was and all that he did for his loved ones. Rest in peace, James Kim.

LOVE TO ME

I've been a big blog neglecter. I'm not saying I'm "back" to posting (sorry to the 5.7 or so of you who actually might read this thing). I have been inspired to post about my current song du jour though.

Recently I went to see The Light in the Piazza at The Music Center's Ahmanson Theatre (review is forthcoming...and LONG overdue). While I have seen the show on PBS' Great Performances and know the music and story backwards and forwards, I had no idea the show I was going to see would affect me in the way that it did.

Music interpretation is a very personal thing and of course varies from individual to individual. Obviously, there are so many reasons why we interpret a song the way we do or why it touches our heart deeper on some days vs. others. Life, stress, the weather, random thoughts all affect why and how we interpret and are touched by various forms of music. Somedays there are songs that I just can’t get enough of because they comfort me or remind me of a time in my life that I want to hold onto. Maybe that’s the reason I obsess over certain songs and play them until I feel like it has become a part of my soul.

The evening that I saw Piazza, the music and lyrics hit me straight in the heart. Over the course of the two hours the show filled my heart with love, cracked it a little, made me feel slightly hopeless and then rebuilt it again. When the show was over, as with real life and love, I was exhausted, but more in love with the show than I was before. It was the most beautiful musical I think I’ve seen to date and the most meaningful.

Between each of the characters were relationships experiencing love at different stages and in different ways. Love was blooming between Clara & Fabrizio, flailing between Margaret & her husband Roy, experiencing jealousy between Giuseppe & Franca. Piazza is not just about romantic love, but also familial and even religious love. The show showcases love and the fragility and depth of it as an emotion. It reminded me how deep we can feel about a person if we allow ourselves, how broken we can feel when we think it’s gone and how much stronger we become as individuals and with others when we find resolution.

The first time I heard the music from this show, I was completely overcome. It was moving, lush and to me soulful in a way that I really can’t explain. Over the course of hearing the music, I found a connection to each of the songs, focusing on one and experiencing it’s meaning, it’s emotion, and it’s expression. “Say it Somehow” was the first song I heard, and immediately I was in love. I thought this had to be the most romantic song of two young people declaring their love. After awhile though, as I randomly moved through the album, I realized that the song that I thought was the sweetest, most romantic expression of love was “Love to Me.”

Overhearing something her mother says on the phone, Clara is made aware that she is somehow different from everyone else. She is frightened that her impending marriage to Fabrizio won’t happen once he finds out who she really is. As she’s breaking down, he sings “Love to Me” to his future bride, I found it to be the sweetest, most loving gesture I’ve ever seen on stage. And as he’s singing this to her, I literally felt my heart open up, feeling hopeful not only for these characters but for my own life. This hopefulness reminded me of how much we need love, any kind of love – to be loved, to express love and to love others. It wasn’t only about love though, it was about acceptance for who and what we are, and isn't acceptance something we all long for?

Adam Guettel is a genius. He was able to take this novella by Elizabeth Spencer and found a way to manipulate the listener with this music that flows through the ears and into the heart. One doesn’t merely hear or see The Light in the Piazza, but feel it (this doesn’t mean that you are have to like it). Maybe it’s too emotionally taxing for some, but if you’ve ever been loved by anyone – I think you are bound to be moved somehow by this show.

The more I listen to each of these songs, both individually and collectively, I find that The Light in the Piazza is a metaphor for our lives. If we open ourselves and allow the light to flutter in, it will fill our soul and we will never be the same again and be better because of it. The light will open our eyes, lighten our hearts and our souls but the darkness will forever weigh us down.

* * *

LOVE TO ME

~Music & Lyrics by Adam Guettel

The day we meet,
The way you lean against the wind,
And do not know that you are beautiful,
Or that anyone is watching you,
This is what I see.

And I notice how you hunger for surprise,
And do not think that you are tall enough,
Like you’re standing on a mountainside alone,
This is what I see.

Ohhh…
You’re not alone.

Now I see as I have never seen before.
Since that moment in the square,
When you’re hat is carried in the air,
Just so you can chase it,
Just so I can be there,
This is how I know,
This is what I see,
This is love to me.