Recital

6 weeks ago Kylie started piano lessons. She has been so eager to learn and has been very consistent with practicing and has done really well in these few short weeks. 2 weeks ago her teacher, whom I absolutely adore, gave her the option of playing in the recital. On the drive home I asked Kylie is she wanted to participate. She said no. I told her it would be a good experience for her. She said no. I told her it would be fun. She said no. I then asked her why not. She replied, "I might get stage fright." That made me laugh. I decided not to push her on it, as she is such a timid little thing, but after her lesson the following week, I asked her again if she wanted to do it. She wasnt interested until I bribed her with her choice of treat following the recital. She thought about it for 5 seconds, then said, "OK. I'll do it." Behold the power of treats.
So last night was this blessed event. Kylie practiced and practiced to make sure her song was perfect. She had never been to a recital, and didnt know what to expect, so she was pretty nervous. We took our seats and looked at the program and Kylie was the first one up. Her eyes got really wide and she turned to me and whispered "what do I do?" I told her her teacher would get up and welcome everyone and then when it was time to start she would go up to the piano, tell everyone the name of her song, take her seat and play her song, just like she practiced. She looked at that grand piano with such intimidation that it kind of broke my heart for her, but I knew she could do it and be the better for overcoming her fears. She then whispered to me that she could not play THAT piano. I told her it was just like ours, only bigger, better and shinier, but the keys are just the same. She sat there for a few minutes just looking so worried.
Her teacher welcomed everyone, and then introduced Kylie, who got up, went to the piano, and played her song perfectly. When she sat back down next to me she still looked really nervous, so I gave her a little hug, whispered I was so proud of her, and that she did it! After a few more kids played their songs, Kylie seemed to relax and then started enjoying herself.
After the recital we walked back to the car and Kylie stated matter of factly, "that wasnt so bad, afterall." That made me laugh.
Now I had to deliver on my end of our deal. She chose DQ for her treat, and as we ate our blizzards, she told me it had been the best day of her life. That made me smile. Such a funny little thing she is.