Back in May, I had the honor of being a part of this incredible nationwide show called Listen To Your Mother. In 24 different cities across the United States, people braved the stage to read aloud their original written work. Sometimes, hilarity ensued. Other times, there needed to be quiet and thoughtful reflection. Then there were moments where tears needed to be wiped and hands needed holding. It was an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime type of experience where bonds were cemented amongst a group of strangers – on stage and in the audience.
I had just gotten laid off from my job and was feeling a bit defeated when I had finally taken the leap to join the Boston Parent Bloggers Facebook group. I wasn’t sure where this would lead me, but I desperately wanted to get back into blogging and felt like this would be a good place to start. As I was browsing through the Facebook page, I noticed a post about submissions for something called Listen To Your Mother in Providence, RI. I immediately looked them up and decided that I could write a piece for this and would try submitting it. What did I have to lose? So I wrote in secret – I didn’t even tell my husband about it. I wrote and then I read it out loud to myself to make sure it fit the time limit. I paced and tried to write something else. Finally, I submitted my piece on the last day of the extended deadline. I let my husband read what I had submitted and then let it go into the universe. If my piece even got accepted, I would still have to audition for it.
I got an email that said that I should come in for an audition and I thought they were joking or sent the email by mistake. I was so excited and we rearranged some things to make it to the audition that weekend. I am thankful for a super supportive husband.
As I was getting ready to audition, I met some of the other readers and I felt so inadequate and stupid. I almost ran out of the Providence Library. The audition itself was a big blur, but I got through it. Now it was just a waiting game. I wanted it so bad, but I tried not to cross my fingers too hard or hope too much. After what felt like an excruciatingly long time, I finally got an email that said I made it! It was like I won the lottery!!! Woo hoo!
I went to the rehearsals fighting all sorts of traffic from Boston to Providence and even one time from Philadelphia to Providence – whew! – and found an amazing group of women that inspired me, embraced me, offered their friendship to me, and gave unconditional acceptance. I admire and treasure them and think about each one of them almost daily. Their stories were powerful, emotional, funny, honest, and most of all, they were these genuine, strong, amazing people. I could not have asked for a better community to motivate and push me to be my best. Hats off to all the casts of Listen To Your Mother, but especially to our Providence cast and our two producers, Carla Molina and Laura Rossi.
For your viewing enjoyment… (I will publish the written version of my piece on my blog as well)