The Busy Bees Concert
“So you’re not coming to Eric’s ‘Busy Bees’ concert?” the preschool teacher inquired, as I was about to flee.
“No”, I responded in a faltering voice. “I have to work”.
“Oh”, she replied disapprovingly. “Have you told Eric?”
Let’s get some perspective here. It’s not like his father and I are splitting up. So I can’t come to his dance concert. Paul and I had discussed it, but we both work and couldn’t get there. Period.
Well, no. I felt bad. Laden with guilt. I noticed parents hovering around, waiting for the concert to begin, and felt awful. Bad Maman Felicity, that little voice chanted.
I got into my car. Sitting in the drivers seat, I decided to phone work and tell them I’d be late – I had a Busy Bees concert to attend. But damn, I’d left my mobile at home. What now?
Make a decision Felicity – are you going or not?
So, dear readers, I got out of the car. I walked – no, strode – into the preschool, to the director’s office, and I said, “Could I please use your phone to ring my work? I feel so bad that I’m not going to Eric’s concert and the teacher asked me why not and it was awful, so I’ve decided to go but I don’t have my mobile phone to call work”.
So I went. And guess what, I was chosen by the dance teacher to be the Queen Bee! There’s got to be some kind of message in that.
Eric looked cute, but of course I had no camera or anything to capture the moment. Not like all the other parents with their tripod stands and zoom lens, and I admit I didn’t have the courage to ask if someone might snap a picture of my boy.
But not to worry – I was the Queen Bee and they weren’t, so there.
And the concert? It was okay, but long. Tiringly long. With four boys under five, I know a good chunk of my future years will be tied up with these seemingly unending performances. And I know I won’t be able to attend them all.
Today I faltered. I was shamed into going. How weak I am. So buck up Felicity, you’ll need more backbone in future. So much of parenting is about saying No, so start practising now.
I am happy I went. Eric was delighted; his Maman was there. She won’t be there all the time, and it will never be smooth sailing but, as like today, she’ll do her clumsily best.