Childhood dreams and home sweet home

When Heather was little, it was always fun to see what she wanted to be when she grew up.  Well, as with all children, her jobs were varied.  I wanted to be a Veterinarian, but the fear of someone bringing a snake in for treatment stopped this dream.  Truth be told, I never liked science, so the snake was my excuse. 

I recently found a school paper that I wrote in third grade. The subject was When I grow up.......  Here was my response:

When I grow up, I want to be a housewife.
I don't want to work in a store all day.
I would be bored.
I want to live in a pleasant home.

Classic right?  I got an A-.    


When Heather was nine she wanted to be a cheerleader.  It made we wonder if our trips to the museums were so boring that she would rather wear sneakers and a cute short skirt and yell out "first and ten - do it again"?"  Don't get me started on the politics behind a few of the cheerleader moms.  Some were A  G  G  R  E  S  S  I  V  E.    

Don't get me wrong - there is nothing wrong with cheerleaders, I was just making a snarky comment about aggressive moms.  You'll read my comments about stage moms later!  Oh yay.  

Well - here is my cheer for the day..........Give me an H, give me an E - just give me a healthy Heather please.  

Heather's next dream job was to play with the dolphins at Sea World.  Maybe I wasn't the most encouraging mom when I told her she would have to get a bachelor’s degree in biology, marine biology, or animal science.  That's a fun conversation for your 10 year old.  So, I indulged her love of the ocean and animals.  I told her it was better to watch the dolphins playing freely in the ocean.  She admitted that she didn't want to hold the smelly fish to feed the dolphins, but holding their fins as they pulled her around the tank would be a great job.  Needless to say - she didn't pursue that job.

Annie - 5th grade musical

Heather's real passion was acting.  As a toddler, she would go with her Grandmother to the local elementary school and watch as the 5th graders practiced for their annual 5th grade musical.  She was mesmerized by this.  She would sit patiently for hours watching.  When she was 6, they would sometimes let her fill in for one of the cast if they were sick.  

Before I knew it, Heather was bitten by the acting bug - this is a bug that I could handle and that wouldn't hurt Heather.  Damn it - can I just once, not think about Lyme and ticks?


Heather had a natural talent and love for the stage and performing.  When she was 13 years old, she found a manager, and by the time she was 15 she had her Screen Actors Guild card. 

Professional headshot - 2003

I know, you are all probably thinking that I was your typical stage mom - well I was really her personal driver and guardian.  I would drive her to the auditions.  If she booked the job, I had to stay on set during the filming.  Typically about 3 hours into filming, the director would ask where I was and Heather would sweetly say "My mom's a nerd - she in the car working on her computer."  Eventually I would venture onto the set and they would thank me for not being the "typical" stage mom.  

Acting wasn't my job - it was Heather's.  She booked the job and she had the talent.  My "nerdy" job involved computers and writing.  Side note - just to be clear - Heather thinks I am a nerd - but I am not. 

Eventually Heather moved to NYC to study musical theater, and then she started working for one of the largest restaurant groups in the country.  What more can a Mom ask for, she was happy, she was healthy, she had an amazing work ethic, she had a great group of friends, and she was financially independent.  


Never in a million years did I think that this career driven, hardworking, honest person would have her world turned upside down.  If I have to look for the positive, my baby girl is now living with me.  I can help her navigate this complicated medical journey.  

I can see with my own eyes how she is doing.  Remember, she was an actor, and she has this amazing ability to act like a healthy person.  She doesn't want this disease to define her, and she really doesn't like talking about it.  When she has the energy to socialize with friends, should would rather use her energy to laugh, live, and love. 

Home is the best place for her now.  My parents are close by, I have wonderful neighbors, my girlfriends are here, basically there is a village of people that will help any time and any way that they can.  Having her home has been good for me - I get to see those dimples every morning before I leave for work and, I get to hold her when she is in pain and scared.  


Another benefit of Heather living at home, when she has the energy she LOVES to do laundry, clean the dishes, cook, and vacuum.   She knows how to fold clothes like they just came out of the factory packet. Do I feel guilty - um - NO.  Everyone needs some structure and if I can benefit from her love of housekeeping - then bring it on.  

The best part is when she comes upstairs with the perfectly folded clothes and in her best Downton Abbey accent she says "I hate to bother you ma'am, but your laundry is clean and folded - can I do anything else for you tonight?"  I smile and remind her that one of her previous jobs was a bartender and a martini would be lovely.  


Welcome home Heather.  I look forward to some funny videos, boat rides, snugly TV time, and trying new recipes.  I will be with you every step of this journey.  I look forward to seeing the progress you are going to make in healing and conquering this damn Lyme disease. 


I am going to cherish the days that you are home while you heal, then I promise I won't cry when you move to your next home.    HA - we all know that is a lie.  


xo

lisa