Last week we took Little Miss and Justin to see the Broadway show LION KING. This was a big deal for us. Justin doesn’t like attending church or other events where he is required to sit and I knew that Lion King would be a stretch—but I knew if he could sit for even the first song, he would love it—and that would be worth it!!
My husband and I had seen Lion King 4 years ago and as soon as the first number was over we looked at each other and said, “We have to bring Little Miss and Justin—somehow, someday, Justin HAS to see this.” We have come a very, very long way with Justin in the past 4 years and I am so proud of his determination and perseverance in every task he tries to master. He is such a great example to me.
Justin had a rough afternoon of therapy the day of the Lion King and I was really anxious taking him that night. He had just had a whole bunch of dental work the day before besides that! I kept thinking, “just one number, I just want him to make it through the first number.” We had nose bleed seats and I walked Justin and Little Miss up a few flights of super steep stairs and Justin was a trooper climbing them all. Once we sat down, he looked a little worried about the environments and even more so nervous about the height of where we were sitting. He pressed himself against the back of the chair to make himself feel more secure. Here’s a cute picture of my two kiddos before it started…
You can tell how nervous he is!!! But he waited patiently until about 2 minutes before it started….when he looked at my husband and said, “out!” I think I started crying—pretty much was on the verge of tears the whole time anyway because I had been waiting 4 years for this!! My husband took him out for a quick break and then brought him back in right before it started and….drum roll…he sat through the first song!! He LOVED it. He was so calm as he took in all the amazing music and dancing of that first number. And then he sat through 4 more numbers!!! I love it when he surprises me!! He didn’t make one sound the entire time. We did hug him and provide lots of sensory pressure for him so he felt safe, but he really did enjoy the performance!
I have played the violin since I was little, like 3 1/2, and I have always loved music. I have had so many spiritual experiences through music and I love the peace I feel when I play the violin. I love being able to play with my daughter and share that with her too.
As I sat, quietly crying through the first song, I was reminded of the lyrics from a later scene in the Lion King called, “Can you feel the love tonight??” The words, “The world for once, in perfect harmony,” kept coming to my mind. That has always been what music is for me. It is the one time when I feel like the world is in harmony. And it truly was for Justin that night as he peacefully watched the show. I am so grateful for music in my life, and for the blessing to share that with my kids. We did get them t-shirts as a sweet tangible reminder of the evening!!
I will never forget how fun that night was!!
