Friday, August 26, 2011

Bold Beauty

Meazi told me she wanted to do something for my sister's wedding. I mentioned to her that folks sometime make speeches or toasts, and maybe she'd like to do something at the rehearsal dinner? She said, "I don't want to make a speech mom, I want to sing a song." I suggested, You are my Sunshine. She shook her head no, and told me she had a different idea. She picked a song, picked some lyrics for three verses, and rehearsed it a couple of times when we were at the lake the week before the wedding.

The day of the rehearsal dinner she told me she was going to tell Tarek and Kate about the song. I told her to keep it a secret and surprise them. During the dinner she said, "Mom, when should I do my song?" I had heard a rumor that the groom's friend William was going to speak. We told William that Meazi wanted the mic after he was finished speaking. I told Meazi that she might want to introduce herself, and to say who it was for.

She boldly marched up after William, grabbed the mic and said the following:

"It's Meazi. This is a song for Kate and Tarek. It is a song from my brother's music class, and it's called, There is a Little Wheel a Turning in my Heart."

Then she sang:
There's a little wheel a-turning in my heart
There's a little wheel a-turning in my heart
In my heart, in my heart
There's a little wheel a-turning in my heart

There's a little song a-singing in my heart
There's a little song a-singing in my heart
In my heart, in my heart
There's a little song a-singing in my heart


There's a little sun a-shining in my heart
There's a little sun a-shining in my heart
In my heart, in my heart
There's a little sun a-shining in my heart


As Melese said this morning, two weeks later, "After her song, the crowd went wild mommy!"

And they did. The crowd went wild. There were tears and applause.

It was beautiful.

I said, "Meazi, weren't you scared singing in front of room full of strangers?"

She said, "Mom, those weren't strangers. They were family."

And yes, that song is the first song Melese ever sang to me.

I believe my sister may have had an ugly cry.

Maybe Tarek too.

Good stuff.

14 comments:

  1. Oh wow. My heart is leaping. She is remarkable, truly.

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  2. I refuse the term "ugly cry," especially when tears or gasps or little hiccup sobs are prompted by something as lovely and moving and hopeful as this story. Good brave generous girl Meazi. What a night for the whole family. Family!

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  3. I've been wondering if she pulled it off. Of course she did!!!

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  4. She just keeps getting more and more amazing!

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  5. Just when I think she can't kill me anymore. Wham. You and your family have given her and Melese the space and room to feel loved and give it back. Worldly and wise, all of you.

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  6. So this song's been in my head all night. First time I let it slip by my lips M whipped his neck around and said "What's that, Meazi's song?!?" Then he went on to tell me he really hopes he can see her again soon because he doesn't only want to see her two times in his life: "once in Ethiopia and once in Wisconsin." He loves her (as do I).

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  7. You know how many of us here in the interwebsworlds are dumbfounded by your children- but you know- A girl takes after her momma. These acts you share are images of her being empowered and couragous- because she's been empowered, supported, and comforted raised to give freely her spirit. At least that what it looks like from the outside looking in.

    A lot of words to say- I think this is a testament to you and hubs parenting. It's beautiful spirit filled courage. I'm grateful you've shared a bit of your stories over the years so that I can learn and strive to do right by my boy.

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  8. Isn't it wonderful when the little ones, whether on their own or when others express love for them, cause the ugly cry?

    Your kids are so awesome! And so are their parents!

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  9. I would like to get married again only so that a little girl could sing that song full of love to me. Bet it filled up your entire family with love to last a lifetime.

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  10. I'd give anything to have been able to hear that...

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  11. I can't top all of the wonderful comments already made, but it WAS a spectacular moment for everyone there. Also, the Elvis back-up dancers were pretty awesome.

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  12. your daughter is just a beauty, inside out !!

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