CURTAIN CALL

With four curtain calls this week and eight shows remaining, the words of Judge Taylor in "To Kill a Mockingbird" haunt me throughout the day and may even be the cause of my recent insomnia. My supporting role in the Muskegon Civic Theatre production carries a minimal line load, but includes an interesting remark as act one draws to a conclusion: "People generally see what they look for and hear what they listen for."

I understand that educated people, including judges, don't like to end sentences with a preposition; however, prescriptive grammar not only causes grief in the English language but headaches for meaningful theater. So, now that we know that Judge Taylor will never spend a night in jail for his failure to keep the prepositions with their object nouns together, "...let's get on."

In other words, it appears that people generally determine their reality based upon what they look for and what they listen for. Think about that for a moment! Isn't that closely related to the definition of prejudice? Do our preconceptions taint any possibility of clear focus? Wouldn't it be better if we postponed judgement to enable knowledge, truth, and justice?

I see too many people approach life with their minds already made up--about themselves, about issues, about others. Such prejudicial mentality only impairs our individual and societal potential. We need to encourage and maintain life-long learning attitudes. As for me, I'm about to complete a very meaningful "graduate class" with some 30 students of varying ages and ethnicity.

Few plays demand casting with race as a primary filter. However, few plays confront the uncomfortable reality of racism and prejudice as well as "To Kill a Mockingbird." I've truly enjoyed performing with an amazing ensemble for nearly eight weeks. Because of these talented actors and actresses, I have a greater self-awareness of my own prejudices and a heightened awareness of how pervasive, subtle, and hurtful discrimination can be.

SCORN NOT THE SIMPLICITY

She hung on tightly as we ventured through the cold Michigan air and into the forested trail. Susan and Jeffrey were at least 20 minutes ahead of us on cross-country skis, a difference quickly reduced on snowmobile. Fortunately, Shelby enjoyed the wintery excursion, considering the air temperature was a mere ten degrees.

The reality of our weekend events is accentuated by the preceding twelve years. See, today is Shelby's birthday. The excitement in descending the stairs this morning was a prelude to celebration. We went to church together and then rendezvoused with her grandparents at the restaurant of her choice-- Olive Garden. Birthday cake was scheduled for later in the day.

Life for Shelby is complicated by a history of verbal apraxia, rolandic epilepsy, and developmental delays. But from within this complexity surfaces a beautiful simplicity of living and celebrating one day at a time. And whether it's a new leather purse or a gift-wrapped box of her favorite cereal, her smile and polite "thank you" for the gift are frozen moments. Pause...phone call...a friend from school just called to wish her happy birthday. Scorn not the simplicity.

Thank you for your love, Shelby Elizabeth, and for helping me become a better person. I love the journey! Happy birthday, sweetheart.