I was taking on new challenges while dealing with another uncle’s death and my mom’s cancer battle. On Halloween 2016, my mom ended up in the hospital. It was scary, but thankfully it wasn’t anything serious. She had a stent, which kept her bile duct open. Her stent fell out, so a new one was put in. Mom was home in time to attend Mass honoring All Souls’ Day. The Mass remembers people who have died in the last year. My uncle Steve, who’s my dad’s brother was one of them. He died in September 2016.
My dad dropped something off for Steve at his apartment and thought he was asleep. Later that night, Steve’s friends and band mates Brett and Dr. Tim came over for rehearsal. However, Steve didn’t answer. Someone let them in and they found Steve dead. Dr. Tim said Steve could’ve been dead when my dad came over and there was nothing my dad could’ve done.
Steve suffered from brittle bone disease and diabetes, so he wasn’t in good health. However, his death was still a shock. He’d been in and out of the hospital and care facilities since that summer. On October 16, 2009, Steve’s son Josh died from an inoperable brain tumor. My cousin’s death was very hard on Steve and he didn’t take good care of himself after that. I was sad I hadn’t found a job before Steve died, because he was really pulling for me, but I was glad he was at peace and with Josh.
Taking on New Challenges with Family Formation
Later in November 2016, I met the families who registered for Family Formation. I was a little nervous after Deacon Mark introduced me, because this was new to me. I was going to be teaching 1st-5th graders in the same class. This isn’t ideal, because of the age range. Part of me felt like I didn’t know what I was doing. However, I knew I had a job to do. Plus, these families were depending on me. So, I put aside my thoughts about taking on new challenges and tried to focus on the families. I asked them what they liked about Family Formation and what they’d like to see done differently.
Taking on New Challenges When Plans Change
Rehearsals were still going strong for “The Reluctant Dragon.” About two weeks before tech week, Alex, our director, said he needed to see me after rehearsal. I wondered what was going on? Alex didn’t know if the woman who was cast as the Cobbler could do the show. He said he couldn’t guarantee anything, but asked if I would learn her part and her solo. I agreed to do it.
It was overwhelming, because we were so close to opening night, but I knew Alex wouldn’t have asked me if I wasn’t up for taking on new challenges and I didn’t want to let him down. A few days later, our casting manager Amanda sent me an email offering me the role, which I accepted.
It’s Show Time
Opening night came and I was excited, but nervous. Then, I heard the overture playing. I was standing near Jim who played St. George, who was one of the leads. I got to know Jim and his son Brian who was in high school at the time, because we auditioned in the same group.
“It’s your first Rosetown show and hopefully it won’t be your last, Sarah,” he said.
I almost started crying. I told Jim it was nice getting to know him and Brian. He said they felt the same way. After the show, the cast went to a Mexican restaurant to celebrate. Jim asked me what I did for a living. I explained I used to work in TV news, but moved back home after my mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in June 2015.
“Did you say June 2015?” Val one of my castmates said.
I said yes. Val said her dad died from pancreatic cancer six months after he was diagnosed. Sadly, this is common when you’re diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Then, she told me to give my mom a hug for her, which I did after I got home.
Finishing the Show
The rest of the shows went well. It was gratifying to have audience members and cast members tell me I did a good job or had a good voice. Before the final show, each cast member received a note from Alex. I almost cried when I read mine. He said he was glad I auditioned and wondered how they ever did shows without me. He also thanked me for stepping up when he needed me the most.
At the end of our cast party, I thanked Alex for giving a newbie a chance. He told me he was glad it worked out the way it did, because I got to show everyone what I could do. He also said he appreciated that I was so nice.
“The Reluctant Dragon” was definitely one of my more memorable shows. I’m so thankful for the cast and crew. Hopefully, I have the opportunity to do another show with them.
