His step-son, Andrew, has cerebral palsy. He's graduating from and excellent Highschool, but doesn't have much choice when it comes to college. Because of the current way of running things, his step-son won't get an education that will devlop his career. He's asking us to help so that he can do something about it. I say that's a worthy cause if there ever was one!
Here's my story -
Jenna Winter slouched against the white brick wall of the school. Other hopefuls in tight pink leotards and brand new toe shoes stretched around her. The lean girl next to her lifted a toe to her knee as she completed a perfect pirouette, her arms going from around her waist to above her head.
It made Jenna want to throw up. She wasn't good enough to be here. She knew it. No matter how many hours she stood in front of the mirror and practiced each movement–from the placement of her head to arch of her foot–it never looked quite right.
"54, 68, 23, and 19. You're up."
Jenna's back went stiff. She smoothed the crinkled 68 that was pinned to her stomach and walked into the studio. Sweat dripped from her brow and the dancing hadn't even begun. A panel of judges sat against the wall of mirrors, notebooks open and pens poised to write their findings.
After a deep breath, Jenna shuffled her feet to third position and held her rounded arms in the air, waiting for the music to begin.
The first note pierced the silence, transporting Jenna from the studio to another world. Her eyes focused above the judges heads, her mind transporting her to a world where nothing existed but movement and sound. Back curving, arms flying, head spinning, the music took her away.
Delicate fingers traced the sky as her toes came to rest on the ground once more. She had done it. A smiled transformed her face as she looked up at the judging panel. There was no way she was getting called back, but it didn't matter.
What did matter was that she did it. She came here and danced her best, even if she wasn't good enough. For that, she was proud.
***
Is there anything you wish you could overcome?
31 comments:
That was a great story. And I'm betting that's how a lot of contestants feel when they audition for shows like American Idol. Even those who are deluding themselves about their, um, talent.
Love this snippet! You evoke the emotions and thoughts of anyone in that position so clearly.
Nice. That's a hard lesson to learn, to push ourselves to do stuff we're afraid of failing at. Sometimes just doing it, regardless of the outcome, is the reward.
Ooh, this was beautiful. *chills* This is how I feel about writing...no matter if no one else reads it or it doesn't sell, I know I made something beautiful and I'm proud of myself for doing it. :)
Great piece. I think we've all spent time waiting to be judged and wondering if we'd measure up, when really it's the race not the winner that's important. Good job.
I've had times like that - knowing I'm not going to be the best, but knowing I've done my best! Great story.
Knowing that you are trying and doing your best is the biggest reward of all! Great, inspirational story!!
Doing the best we can is often more important!
Enjoyed the story!
Great lesson in that! Nicely done.
That's right! The most important thing is to not let ourselves be defeated. Great piece. :)
Great short for Nick's blogfest:) I don't know if it counts but I wish I could overcome my adversity to math;)
Very sweet story!
I always like a story with a good message!
Julie
Great piece! Often the adversity is within ourselves - our fear of failure. If you try that is half the battle and you don't know what you are capable of until you do. Thanks for taking part!
We can only do our best. Other's talent might drive us to keep getting better, but we must remember that as long as we give it our best, that's all that matters.
What a great story!
I think we all have things we'd like to overcome, regrets of taking the easy road or being a little less involved than we should have been.
This bloghop could be a way to make us reflect at decisions, decision making and TRYING do do our best.
Very nice story!
What a great blogfest. And such a well written story.
I have too many things to overcome. But step by step. ;)
Awesome! That's the type of inspiration I try to instill in my kids. Doing what you love is the only way to live life!
That sounds like it came straight out of a book, which means your writing is stellar-awesome!
Well played, J.A. :)
Every one of these stories has been awesome. Yours included :)
That was beautiful! I...I wish I could say something else but I'm lost for words.
so what happened?! did she make it?
elegant story! her fingers traced the sky, the very image of grace, with an inspirational message =)
Passion and hear can count as much as talent / ability. Very nice story.
I love it! My favorite entry! :)
Great story! One of the best things is to make sure you go out and try! That you give it your all, no matter what! I'd love to share this with my students at school.
GREAT STORY!
Nice story - it's great to see characters learn the lesson that the attempt, and the refusal to give in, is what really matters.
I need to overcome my fear of public speaking!!
This is a beautiful story you've written. IT IS worth it to try. I wish I'd heard of this blogfest sooner (I've been out of the blogging world for forever).
The dance world really is dog eat dog isn't it? Great job showing the fierce, competitive nature :)
Great story, I admire her for doing it anyway.
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