"Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are." -  Marianne Williamson

Recently, Morgan had the opportunity to perform at Nashville Children's Theatre.  The evening was a series of one act plays and monologues, entitled "Conversations Over Tea", put on by Borderless Arts Tennessee and Nashville Children's Theatre actors.  It included friends with and without disabilities.  There were some excellent performances, and we were excited for her to be a part of it.

Morgan's autism and anxiety can make her want to avoid "too many friends" and new situations.  It can often steal her joy, making it a struggle for her to hang for group activities, where she's not sure what "the script" is.  I've heard "practice makes progress" so we are always seeking new challenges, and saying yes to new things, to help her stretch her ability to cope.  In order to help her be successful this time, we took an early trip to NCT to give her a preview of what was in store.

While I always hope Morgan will be able to give her best onstage performance, I'm much more invested in her performance off stage, Because That's Where Life Happens.

The night of the performance, she was able to wait, listen to others, and clap for them.  She sat for over an hour before it was her turn.  I know it was hard.  I even heard her say to herself a couple of times, "I can do it.  I can do it.",  meaning she could hang in there. And she did!  So proud of my girl. 

Here's a link to her performance at NCT - Brown Truck

Here's a link to another performance at the Bluebird Cafe', an autism awareness event she's been a part of for several years - Circus Song and Brown Truck

You can see the difference in her level of ease, when she's in a familiar setting.  I've seen her light up when she lets go of the anxiety, and enjoys the moment.  That's what we're aiming for.  On and off stage, we want Joy to be center stage.

Until Next time,

Know The Hope!

Tammy

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