Before we went home for Christmas, I was granted a wonderful award from the Young Actors Theatre, the “Standing Ovation Award,” for being a positive influence on the youth and adults at YAT. Being granted the ability to work with you has been a great joy for me since I arrived in Tallahassee. The award just makes it even more special. This was a kindness that I really needed at the right moment. Thank you.
Christmas in Michigan – was full of amazing moments that bring me joy to think about. I miss home. I love my family and Michigan friends. They are the kindest people. For those of you I didn’t get to see, I will see you soon. But I had to come back to Tallahassee for a good reason.
Yesterday I had a minor surgery on my knee. I don’t remember much except that everyone was very kind from the time that I arrived until I was put under. When vulnerable, such as laying in a cold pre-op room with nothing but a thin muslin link blanket between you and the multitude of people asking you questions, kindness matters.
Today, I sit with my knee elevated, reading for school, with a Chiweenie as a protector dog, watching my every move. And though Pancho does not know it, the kindness (and concern) he is showing me matters.
I have no idea if the notes I am taking will make any sense tomorrow, but I keep thinking of my mom as I write them. You see, on Christmas, I heard my mom ask my family, “Have you ever seen Elaine’s notes?”… of course, my non-theatrical siblings, who live 1,000 miles away from me in school, said “No.” My mom, though, she has seen them when we go hang out on various Florida beaches on my on spring breaks. She said, “They are works of art.” My mom’s kindness about my notes matters.
I keep thinking about kindness this week. Maybe it’s the forced break or the painkillers, but kindness – a virtue I always try (but don’t always succeed) in sharing myself, matters. As I read about violence and rituals for my comps exam in February, I keep thinking about how kind my professors at FSU are, and how lucky I am to be getting a PhD with this specific group of people who have shown up for me in the smallest and largest ways over the last 5 years. I keep thinking about the friends I have made here, especially those who are making plans with my husband to come over and cook me a meal this week. The kindness. It matters.
So, as we ring in a New Year tomorrow, I will be thinking of all the people who have been so kind to me over the last months. Thank you all.