Modeling one of the approved costume pieces for Mamma Mia! as my excitement continues to build for opening weekend.
In previous articles, I wrote about the pressures many women face—particularly those in the “sandwich generation,” caring for both their children and aging parents. In my case, I only have my mom left, and she lives with us. My husband has lost both of his parents, so much of the support system that once surrounded our families has changed.
As a result, we do much more on our own. We have wonderful friends and relatives we can call from time to time, but we also try not to become overly “needy.”
I also touched briefly on my health concerns in an earlier article, though I hesitated because I didn’t want to come across as a complainer. The reality is that I have multiple autoimmune and connective tissue disorders. It has taken more than 20 years of navigating the healthcare system to finally arrive at answers.
That has been a tremendous relief.
Finally.
Unfortunately, answers are not the same as cures. There are treatments, but they often take time to work—assuming I don’t become allergic to them, which has been happening more frequently in recent years.
Recently, I took my children to one of the food trucks during Yale’s Bologna Festival to buy them lunch. After we placed their order, the cook asked what I would be having. We went through the familiar conversation about what I could and couldn’t eat. When she explained there would be cross-contamination, I thanked her for taking the time to go over the options and told her I wouldn’t be eating there.
She looked at me and asked, “Really? It’s that bad?”
Yes.
I don’t want to risk a reaction that leaves me sick for days while my body recovers—or worse, lands me in the emergency room. I’ve had too many experiences like that already. It makes eating out frustrating, so I usually stick with my safe snacks or restaurants I know take extra precautions.
The truth is, I hate asking for those accommodations. I’d much rather blend into the background and simply enjoy a meal without having to think about it.
I suppose there will always be parts of myself that I wish people wouldn’t notice. But I’ve also learned to appreciate the gifts I have been given. I’ve learned that people genuinely enjoy those gifts when they are shared. In return, I absolutely love seeing what others bring to the table. Whether it’s music, acting, art, or another creative talent, I find it fascinating—and perhaps my attention lingers just a little longer than most.
That is one of the reasons I have become so captivated with everyone and the processes involved in Mamma Mia!
Watching the cast and crew pour themselves into the music, the harmonies, the choreography, and the countless behind-the-scenes details has been inspiring. We may not get everything right 100 percent of the time, but we encourage one another, laugh together, and keep working toward the same goal: bringing an entertaining show to the stage.
I hope you’ll join us.
Come sing along, enjoy the music, and celebrate the friendships and relationships that have grown throughout this journey.
Mamma Mia! will be presented Aug. 14, 15, and 16 at McMorran Place in Port Huron.
Thoughts of Enigmatic Minds 