Writing 101, Day Fifteen: Your Voice Will Find You

You’re told that an event that’s dear to your heart — an annual fair, festival, or conference — will be cancelled forever (or taken over by an evil organization). Write about it. For your twist, read your piece aloud, multiple times. Hone that voice of yours!

Candace playing in snow

The Choir Night

One day in her senior high school year, my daughter Candace said to me, “Mom, our choir is going to perform next Saturday. Are you coming?”

“I think so,” I said.

“This is the last time I sing with this choir and they are going to announce all seniors’ names in the concert. You have to come,” She said with a forceful voice.

“We’ll be there,” I said.

On the concert day, I wore a nice navy blue suit, sat in the middle of the church where I could have a clear view of Candace. I watched her getting up on the stage, watched her sang each and every song. I shamelessly paid no attention to anyone but her.

Finally the choir director walked up to the front. He started by thanking all the parents and congratulating all seniors. Then, slowly, he read each senior’s name out loud.

I sat straight up, focusing on every syllable that came out of his mouth. I could hardly wait to hear my daughter’s name.

“That’s all the sopranos,” the director said.

Wait! What happen to Candace? Has she switched to sing altos? I don’t think so.

One by one, all the seniors’ names were announced except my daughter’s name. It became obvious to me that the director had missed her name. I had an urge to stand up and told the director his mistake. I worried about Candace. She must feel hurt. After all, she had asked us to be there to hear her name and she was with this choir for 3 years.

I didn’t stand up. As much as I wanted to correct the director’s mistake, I didn’t want to embarrass my daughter.

After the concert, Candace joined us.

“Great concert,” I said cheerfully.

“I am glad you liked it,” she responded.

Both of us didn’t say a word for a while and I finally broke the silence, “Do you know that the director had skipped your name?” I stopped and looked at her. “Are you OK?”

She quickly turned toward me as if she had received an electrical shock. “Did you notice that too? When I realized what had happened, all I could think of was how disappointed you would be.”

“But I know your name. I don’t need him to tell me, you know.”

She grabbed my arm and giggled.