A Moment to Shine

T co-emceed his school’s holiday concert on Thursday evening and did a great job speaking and performing in front of 200 guests.

His teacher let us know the week before of this role and we were thrilled for him!

She said he was doing a great job and asked us to practice with him. He didn’t know who Dolly Parton was nor how to pronounce her name.

I reassured T’s teacher that he’s the son of two gay men. He’ll know who Dolly Parton is.

On the morning of the concert, I gave T a hug before I left for the office. He was having his breakfast and he said he was worried.

It was quite endearing to hear him express nervousness and I reassured him that he was going to be great.

“You would not have been asked to be emcee if your teachers didn’t believe you could do it,” I said.

I arrived at school early to ensure I was near the gym door. Before the show started, there was a large crowd and I felt like I was at a Black Friday sale waiting for the doors to open.

Thankfully, the hubby and I got a seat in the front row, in front of of the podium.

T and his co-emcee welcomed the guests.

“Our theme this year is friendship, because winter is the perfect time to celebrate kindness, teamwork and looking out for each other,” T said.

He spoke with clarity and confidence. We were so proud. 🥰

All the Grade 1 to 5 students opened the show with Bruno Mars’ “Count on Me” and I already felt tears in my eyes.

T did a great job introducing all the successive numbers, including the Grade 3 class’ performance of Dolly Parton’s “A Friend Like You.”

T sat on my lap, in between speaking, to watch the show and I felt gratitude during those moments.

Gratitude for teachers that build him up, for the joy in my heart and most importantly, for this moment for T to shine.

In his closing remarks, T noted that “our students had shown that friendship, kindness and community make the winter season truly bright.”

And boy, did our little guy shine brightly.

Here’s an edited clip of parts from the opening and closing remarks of the show. T is heard first in the clip.

41 thoughts on “A Moment to Shine

  1. Apologies for not being o active reading your posts lately. We have been altogether a bit busy this year. We got married this year in March and then started our YouTube channel on travel. Would love it if you and your family could subscribe to the same. Hope you enjoy the videos. Also would like to hear on any improvement points you might have for us. Dropping by the link below 🙂

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  2. That is so awesome! And the bow tie is very dapper. He did a fantastic job – those nerves are totally understandable and he clearly channeled them in the perfect way. That section where they both talked in unison is hard — and they nailed it. [Mic drop!]

    I’m still laughing about Dolly Parton! 🙂

    Go, T! Amazing!

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    1. Thanks Wynne. He wore the same outfit as my cousin’s recent wedding, minus the suspenders and jacket, and yes, he sure looked dapper. 🥰 And he did so great. We’re still beaming.

      Hope you all have an amazing rest of the school week. 1 more week till Christmas!

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  3. Yay for T for playing a huge role in his school’s holiday concert! Glad to hear it was a success and that he did a great job. I couldn’t help but laugh at your comment about how T is the son of two gay men and that he’ll know who Dolly Parton is! Amazing!

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    1. Thanks Linda. We were thrilled with how well he did and more so, for himself. 🥰 The Dolly Parton exchange made me laugh too although I will admit I’ve never heard of the thing they performed from her catalogue!

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  4. This is so heartwarming, Ab! Bravo to T for being an emcee at such a young age! It’s something even adults can struggle with. I laughed at the Dolly Parton part. 😂 Speaking of friendship and kindness, I hope this holiday season brings you both, as well as joy, peace, and lots of love!

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    1. Thanks Bama. He did so well and we’re so proud of him. 🥰 And yes, the Dolly Parton part made me laugh too. 🤣 Hope you have a wonderful Christmas and holidays with your loved ones too! Hope you have lots of travel planned for the new year and look forward to reading all about them!

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      1. Have a great and safe time in HK! We’ll be staying at home but I have two weeks off to just rela. 😊 We’re booked again for Mexico for Spring break and I’m determined to do ChitchenIza this time! 🙏

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  5. A beautiful, bright post and after the tragic weekend, I am so glad that I started my morning with your story. And “I reassured T’s teacher that he’s the son of two gay men. He’ll know who Dolly Parton is.” made me 😂

    Thanks, Ab! 💖

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    1. Thanks Vickie. I’m very sorry and saddened to hear about what happened in Australia this weekend an sending you and your loved ones my thoughts. Such dark times.

      I’m glad to have brought you some levity to start your week. 🥰 Please take care. Hugs.

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    1. Thank you Tammy. It was truly a special moment to feel so grateful for. God given and blessed for sure. 🥰🙏 And I’m thankful to get to share with you and the WP community.

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    1. Thanks Ana. Our hearts are still warm with pride and joy. 🥰 We’re thankful for the support from his teacher, who is making a big difference.

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    1. Thanks Beth. It really makes our heart so happy too. 🥰 It’s the best Christmas gift we could’ve asked for and for me personally, a confidence boost is the best gift for T in the long run too. 🙏

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  6. I’m with Erin! What a moment to savor, T as the emcee, shining a bright light of positivity on others and no doubt giving himself a powerful boost in the process. I just know it’ll continue to be a highlight reel experience for him…and for you! Hugs and love to all! 💝😉💝

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    1. Thanks Vicki. We’re so proud and still glowing with pride. 🥰 T’s moved on. 🤣 But I do agree with you and hope this continues to be a highlight reel experience for him that carries him through the harder times.

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  7. Oh my gosh, GO T! 👏 You must be so proud, and I love the theme and those closing remarks. It’s a reminder I think we could all use. I hope you and your loved have a beautiful holiday season, Ab!

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    1. Thanks Erin. We are so so proud and beaming an glowing from it still. 🥰 It was a lovely theme and kids need more of these positive messages these days. We’re looking forward to the holidays and hope you have a great one as well!

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  8. That was EXCELLENT! I went to a band concert for our granddaughter Maddy this week. The emcees (highschool) were a mixed bag of very good to 🤦‍♀️. It is a bit frustrating because the music is stellar but half the time we cannot understand a work that the emcees are mumbling and midpronouncing. T did amazing! 💗

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    1. Thanks AnneMarie. We’re really proud and he exceed our expectations. 🥰 I hear you on things being a mixed bag at time but I’m glad to hear Maddy did a great job with the band performance. Congrats!

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    1. Thanks Margie. We’re really proud. It’s all T with support from his teacher. 🥰 Do you want to own him? Boxing Day sale coming up. I’ll give you a friend’s discount!

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