Passing the Torch

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Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. ~Thomas Edison

I have a meeting tonight.

It’s kind of a momentous meeting – at least it is in my little universe.

I’ve mentioned before that both of my boys were on the varsity ballroom dance team at their high school. And, since I had the time, the inclination and really believe in good public school performing arts programs, I became pretty involved with the parent committee for the team. Combined with some other great parents we would help to raise funds, chaperone, provide meals and generally just help the kids and the coaches as much as possible. Superdude and Ebay crossed over just one year in high school, so all together I’ve been involved with the team for 7 years. I was “president” of the parent committee for the last 5 years -which mostly just meant that I didn’t have younger kids and most of the time a husband at home that needed my attention, so I could attend more functions than most.

Their teams were really good and anything that is really good takes a lot of time and support. So we held carwashes in front of the school every summer to raise money for the team. We sold concessions at every 4th of July Stadium of Fire (the big local fireworks extravaganza) and every BYU Home game to raise money for the team. We hosted a local competition at the high school to raise money for the team. And we did a plethora of other things that I just can’t remember right now to raise money for the team.

Then after we raised the money for the team we spent the money on the team with tour busses to a competition in Idaho, We spent the money on hotel rooms for the team and food for the team. We spent the money on costumes for the team and rhinestones for costumes for the team (this is ballroom after all). And we spent the money on a big performance tour every spring like this cruise that we just went on about a month ago.

For the past 7 years my seasonal plans have revolved around what event is coming up for the team and I have enjoyed….almost every minute of it. But because Ebay is about to graduate from high school, all of that is about to change….tonight.

Tonight I am passing the baton, the torch, the ball on to someone else. The parents of all the new members of the team will get together tonight and vote on who they want as the new president….or at least who’s willing to do it. I’m kind of curious actually to see what will happen.

I’m also a little sad and nostalgic but at the same time kind of giddy and relieved as well. It was a lot of work, but what a blessing to be so involved with the lives of my kids. It was our thing - it was what we did for the past 7 years.

I’m glad I had the opportunity to combine my interest and talents with theirs.

I had a great time.

I’m glad it’s over.

And I can’t help but wonder what’s next.