This evening we were out to Outback for Josh’s birthday dinner. As per family tradition the person who Josh turned seventeen. In the last two years I have witnessed him move from childhood to being a young man. Over that period he has developed not only in physical stature but also critical thinking.
His drive for independence and dreams have marched onward. He challenges his father. He speaks clarity regarding his professional dreams and he keeps focused upon the steps that are necessary to achieve those goals. Last year I watched him do his initial audition for the Crossmen on trombone. I watched him prepare in a month for fingering exercises on baritone that would be demanding for those in the top seats at Star Lake or National Music Camp while preparing at the same time for District Honor Band auditions and keeping up on his classroom studies.
His traveling monthly to San Antonio and then traveling across the country for two and half months was difficult upon a parental heart. Though difficult it is all part of letting go. Seeing him move away from Salvation Army music and recognizing that there is a good chance that he will not be a Salvationist musician in three to five years has also weighed upon my heart. Hence our focus is upon helping to ground him in the faith as it was with Jonathan in 2000 and 2001.
The DCI quarterfinals were broadcast into theaters. That night there were over 50 student from Oakton in attendance, and another dozen who could not get in because the tickets were sold out. When the Crossmen were announced I became teary eyed as the students from his school cheered strongly for one of their own. As I did in Allentown as he took the field I fought back the tears of pride.
I am proud of how he has developed. Josh is thoughtful and determined. He is handles his various tasks with a high level of responsibility, so much so that few at Oakton were surprised that he had the discipline to handle DCI demands. We constantly hear from band parents that they are impressed by his balance, commitment, teamworkd, responsibility and leadership.
Josh, happy seventeenth.
The four who enjoyed Josh's birthday meal along with him at Outback were Evie, Jonathan, Maggie and myself.
His drive for independence and dreams have marched onward. He challenges his father. He speaks clarity regarding his professional dreams and he keeps focused upon the steps that are necessary to achieve those goals. Last year I watched him do his initial audition for the Crossmen on trombone. I watched him prepare in a month for fingering exercises on baritone that would be demanding for those in the top seats at Star Lake or National Music Camp while preparing at the same time for District Honor Band auditions and keeping up on his classroom studies.
His traveling monthly to San Antonio and then traveling across the country for two and half months was difficult upon a parental heart. Though difficult it is all part of letting go. Seeing him move away from Salvation Army music and recognizing that there is a good chance that he will not be a Salvationist musician in three to five years has also weighed upon my heart. Hence our focus is upon helping to ground him in the faith as it was with Jonathan in 2000 and 2001.
The DCI quarterfinals were broadcast into theaters. That night there were over 50 student from Oakton in attendance, and another dozen who could not get in because the tickets were sold out. When the Crossmen were announced I became teary eyed as the students from his school cheered strongly for one of their own. As I did in Allentown as he took the field I fought back the tears of pride.
I am proud of how he has developed. Josh is thoughtful and determined. He is handles his various tasks with a high level of responsibility, so much so that few at Oakton were surprised that he had the discipline to handle DCI demands. We constantly hear from band parents that they are impressed by his balance, commitment, teamworkd, responsibility and leadership.
Josh, happy seventeenth.
The four who enjoyed Josh's birthday meal along with him at Outback were Evie, Jonathan, Maggie and myself.
5 comments:
It was a very nice dinner. I also enjoyed watching the ESPN2 DCI finals show. It was interesting to hear Joshua compare the TV show with his impression as one who had been in the live audience at the event.
David, he may not be a Salvation Army Bandsman in 5 years but it will always be in his heart!
Happy birthday Josh!
Hey, you finally got to officially meet Maggie!
Evie and I meet Maggie two weeks ago. She is a lovely gracious young lady.
For me, it has not been about whether my kids are "Salvationsist" musicians, it has been about whether they saw their talent as their gift from God, to be used in a way that glorifies him. I think that you have your focus right, ensure Josh is grounded in his faith, and he will use his gift as God directs.
Happy Birthday, Josh. Whre's the gotti?
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