Over the past six weeks or so (in October and November 2008), I experienced something very unusual. I became a "stalker Mom". I didn't mean for it to happen. It started out innocently enough. Allison, our ninth grader, tried out for a part in the school play at EHS. I figured she would get at least a small part since I've seen her ham it up around the house for years. She's always making us laugh with her silly voices, her funny faces, and her good sense of humor. Sure enough, she got a part and was expected to be at practices five nights a week for the next five weeks.

I didn't mind at all that she doesn't have her license yet and needed a ride to and from school most of those nights. I wanted to see how a play comes together in person, so I gladly took her whenever it fit into my schedule. From the beginning, I pulled up a folding chair and sat near the back of the room and watched as those kids practiced. At first I got quite a few funny looks, like "What is she doing here?" but gradually I seemed to be expected, or at least tolerated. The looks turned into, "Oh, there's that weird lady again. She never says much, but she sits and watches and smiles a lot when we get to the funny parts."

They were right. I don't say much. When I was in high school I wouldn't have dreamed of trying out for the school play. I was way too shy back then. Now I'm not as shy, but I'm still pretty quiet. We moved here about four years ago, so I didn't know many of the students involved in the play besides Allison. I had seen EHS plays over the last few years so I knew what these kids were capable of, but it impressed me to no end to see them put this play togther. The first rehearsals were "orderly chaos" as they read through the play with scripts in hand and did homework, texted friends, or chatted quietly when they weren't in a scene. There was disappointment for a few students early on when they had to drop out due to various conflicts - and they were doing so well! Some parts were switched around and one actor stepped in to fill a part, but those students didn't complain and they continued working hard. Later rehearsals called for the cast to move around more and figure out when to enter and exit the stage area, decide on the right actions for their characters, and get lines memorized. Finally, in the last week the lines were polished, the set design came together, and props were used in rehearsals.

When it got to the final week I wanted to be there every night. Dress rehearsal, Thursday matinee, Thursday evening performance - I was there, praying and cheering everyone on silently. Friday night I couldn't make it but I was there in spirit. I was so proud of every single one of those students, from the smallest part up to the leading actors. They did a wonderful job and had fun, too! I wanted to tell each of them what a good job they did, but mostly I just smiled and stood around. On Thursday night the whole cast went to Tally Ho's for a cast party and the directors invited me to go along. I knew I had possibly hung around at rehearsals a little too much when Allison and I showed up at the party and one of those sweet girls commented, "Of course you'd be here, it seems like you're part of the cast" or something like that. That's when I realized I had become "stalker Mom".

I should probably be ashamed of myself, but I don't regret a minute of it. I hung around because I was interested and I cared. I experienced a little of what Allison was going through as she got ready for her first school play. I got to watch some talented kids work together to present a smart, funny play to their families, friends, and the community. I was able to watch two encouraging directors lead a group of students to a successful performance in only five and a half weeks. Amazing!

I just want to close by saying "Congratulations" to the directors and each and every cast member of "Surviving Reality." You all did an awesome job! Thanks for letting this "stalker Mom" hang around so much, and I'll see you in the spring!

"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy..., being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:3-4)

© Robyn Mulder 2008,  therobynsnest.org