Night of All Nights

Night of All Nights was the theme of the girls' voice recital tonight. For Ruby, it was a night she would just as soon forget. All week, the poor girl has been in excruciating pain on the right side of her face. We were lucky enough to get her in to see Dr. Scheuller, who diagnosed a swollen lymph node, which was affecting a nerve in her ear, and put her on antibiotics, not a moment too soon. She's still miserable, but she managed to rally just enough for a two-hour dress rehearsal/dinner at her teacher's house, then the recital. Golda and Ruby both amazed Scott and me with their beautiful solos. They were sweet in their matching Christmas outfits, singing a duet of Gentle Jesus. I knew Ruby was in pain, but she hid it well, even when Xanthe sneaked up to the front row to put her head on Ruby's lap. Ruby patiently held Xanthe and her teddy bear and stroked Xanthe's head while waiting for her turn to sing. That was the part, more than the music, that gave me a glimpse into Ruby's future, perhaps as a patient and wise mother, and a strong and brave woman.

Immediately after the recital, Ruby broke down in sobs and said she was ready to go home and she needed some medicine. She was so disappointed to be feeling like this for her first voice recital. It's a good lesson to learn, that you prepare to do your best, and then you overcome whatever trials you didn't plan for or prepare for. It's what you do with the obstacles that defines you. Watching Ruby sing, you would never know she was in great pain. I'm proud of little Ruby, and proud of Golda for taking care of her tonight. These girls have a long way to go and "many rivers to cross," but they are already an example to their mom. Well done, girls.