Sam indeed made her mommy happy again tonight after performing as guest singer/soloist at the Assumption METTA’s production of “Romeo and Juliet” (Summer Shakespeare Workshop). We were pleasantly surprised to have received a call from her school last week. They had asked if she could be allowed to sing “Namaste”, an original composition by Ms. Pinky Valdes for the Shakespearean adaptation. Of course we said yes, because we believe every opportunity for Sam to perform is truly an opportunity given her to improve her craft.
Mariel had always been very supportive of Sam’s theater interests. She had encouraged our daughter to develop her many “gifts” as she had looked forward to seeing her perform on stage. She would have been beaming with pride tonight and would have been doubly exhilarated with seeing “Sammy” transform from the bashful little four-year old girl we had enrolled into theater class to try to overcome her shyness to the confident and admired thespian she is today.
I must admit too that it was not easy sitting through the play tonight. I’m no Romeo, but Shakespeare’s words of love found and lost have unexpectedly struck some raw nerves that had sent me reeling back into painful territory.
“O my love, my wife! Death, that hath suck’d the honey of thy breath. Hath had no power yet upon thy beauty… Good Night, Good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow.”
Mommy, I know you were watching with me our little “Sammy’s” performance tonight. And I know you knew too that this one was especially for you. We love you very dearly. Good Night!
Mariel's Garden 
Absolutely beautiful – you must both be very proud of your gorgeous and talented daughter.
Yes Jan, she is all the best things we both ever hoped to be. She is also Mariel’s greatest gift to me.
Thanks again for visiting, dear friend. Namaste.
Yes, Romeo and Juliet has a lot to answer for, I agree. Still, there’s some marvellous language in there, and a pretty good sword-fight, too.
People do like a good tale of tragedy, although of course it seems rather different when it’s you that’s living it. But there’s a happy ending for you somewhere, waiting just around the corner, Bong.
Congratulations to Sam! Theater and singing is so very good for children.
I understand what you mean about the power of great poetry like Shakespeare to move us. It’s amazing that it still speaks so loudly to us after centuries. But I guess that’s why it’s a classic. I’m sorry for your pain, Bong. While we are told it is “better to have loved and lost than never to have loved” it still hurts so much to lose.
hang in there…
Hi Robert,
I thank you again and hope your words become true that indeed somewhere my life can still have a happy ending. Although I’m quite sure the next one will be much happier as I can be with Mariel again.
Spirits up to you always too.
Bong
Hi Wrutinggb,
The pain is something I’m trying to learn to live with. I know someday it will turn into happiness when I meet Mariel finally again.
Mariel’s love and memories are also things that get me through occasional dark days and nights.
Take care and God’s blessings to you always.
Bong