Times Square, New York City, early on a Sunday morning, summer 1996. The day before, we’d taken our son Henry, age six, to see his first musical, Beauty & the Beast, on Broadway. A friend working on the show had reserved our seats, front and center, and had arranged a backstage tour after the final curtain. Henry had been allowed to walk around on the set. He’d touched the teacups and candlesticks and glimpsed the piano gleaming in the orchestra pit. He’d shaken hands with the Beast himself, who had been kind and friendly to this scrawny little kid who knew every song in the show by heart. And now, the next morning, all Henry wanted was to go back and do it all over again.
My husband snapped the photo because it was so not like our shy, mild-mannered son to be demanding. And it was so not like me to ever speak sternly to him. And yet, there we were, facing off in the first (and pretty much the only) argument we’ve ever had. (There is another photo in this series, in which I’m actually shaking a finger, in vain.)
I think the whole scene cracked Steve up — while the rest of Manhattan slept, the three of us were out on a street corner trying to explain to our star-struck child that Broadway shows aren’t like videos, and that you can’t just wander in and watch them whenever you want to.
What we didn’t quite realize, as Henry stood his ground, insisting he would go back to Broadway, was that a dream was taking shape in his six-year-old mind. Now that he knew this magical place existed, where musicals came to life every night in darkened theaters, he suddenly had a vision of his own future, an answer to the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
The dream stuck. He’s twenty-four now, and he’s stayed the course. Played a lot of piano. Applied for a lot of jobs. Gotten a few. Come in second too many times. But late on Monday night, the call he’s been waiting for all his life finally came. And since I’m his mom, and therefore have never doubted, I wasn’t all that surprised. But I am incredibly proud to say our son has finally come full circle. Next job: music production assistant for Aladdin on Broadway.
Tonight, as I was making dinner, Henry sat at the piano in our living room, playing Gershwin. It’s been snowing all day, and the snow is still coming down, closing us in here with one another. Jack, recovering from the removal of two wisdom teeth first thing this morning, is laying low, applying ice, reading a Stephen King novel. We watched a movie this afternoon, drank tea, looked at all our old photo albums, hung out and let time slow down. As I type these words, the guys are watching basketball in the other room with a friend, eating ice cream and making a racket. Soon our sons will leave, and it will be just the two of us here again. I know I’ll miss the noise, the crowd around the dinner table, the lovely sense of security and connectedness I feel only when we are all gathered together under one roof.
And yet, knowing that the house will soon be quiet again, and too empty, I also think of a line I’ve always loved: “There are two lasting bequests we can give our children: one is roots; the other, wings.” And I am here to say, there is nothing more thrilling than bearing witness to their flight.
(I had planned to write something this week about the forthcoming paperback of Magical Journey — pub date: January 21. But, well, Henry’s news is more exciting than mine. Lots to tell you about next time, though.)
How exciting!! Congratulations! My girls, ages 23, 20, 17 have been talking about this show coming to Broadway for months! When we see it (and we most certainly will) I will be sure to tell them about Henry.
I got chills reading this. Congratulations to your son and how proud you must be. My daughter will soon head back to college and we will again adjust to life with her away. She’s on her way to fulfilling her own big dreams. You said it so perfectly; roots and wings.
Oh, Katrina! I am so thrilled for Henry! What an incredible honor to be offered this job! After reading about him through all of your books, I feel like I know him personally. We all out here in cyber space are celebrating this milestone in his life with you. Bravo!
What a joy it is to read this tonight, for both you and your son are realizing that dreams really do come true. May this new year bring your family the joy of new adventures and the familiar comfort of time together doing a lot of nothing special. It is the balance that makes us know we have done our best as parents.
Broadway is fortunate to have Henry on their playbill. Happy new year!
I have never met your son but tears still welled up in my eyes… I have read all your books and blogs and I am familiar to Henry’s story as you have shared it. So somehow reading this made me holler “Hurray for Henry!” Because I know a bit of his childhood, a bit of his adolescence and a bit of his journey into adulthood.. I could feel your joy. Thank you for sharing the story as it unfolded and reminding me that it all matters… not just the big stuff but the everyday little miracles that our children allow us to be part of.
My heart began to race as I read this…I could feel your joy! So exciting!
Wow! Just loved your thrilling post! Congratulations to your son and your entire family. Thanks for reminding us that dreams can come true and the magic of watching our kids soar. I love your books, I appreciate your honesty and I am grateful for your wisdom. Looking forward to what comes next~Enjoy!
Add me to all the other readers with a big grin and moist eyes reading your exciting news. What a proud moment for you all. Here is one more example of a career developed out of something so far back in early childhood— nurtured and developed over time. Bravo for Henry, you, and all who have supported his dream.
Congrats -hope you both enjoy the flight…amazing!
Wow! Bravo! That is so, so thrilling. Congratulations, Henry.
What a magical journey he is living right before your eyes. Sending him congratulations on a dream come true.
I need you to know that I cried when I read this glorious post. Cried. Oh, Katrina. The world works in beautiful ways.
Goosebumps. Then tears (of the happiest sort). That’s what your post brought me this morning, on a snow day during which my kids and I were just contemplating which DVD we will watch after coming in from playing outside. Suddenly Aladdin, which they just received for Christmas, climbs to the top of the list. So many congratulations to Henry – and to you and Steve. xo
Katrina,
Thank you for sharing such wonderful news about Henry! What joy!!! In the past you can now see what the future held. All the best to him!
Wow! Wonderful news about Henry. Funny how, though I have never met you or your kids, it feels like they have grown up before my eyes as well (and all because you have shared your memoirs through your books). I, too, am proud of him. Thanks for sharing, Katrina! Looking forward to reading more and more and more from you.
Congratulations to Henry to receive the call he’s been waiting for all of his life. Wow! 2014 is full of possibilities. Thanks for sharing his wonderful news.
Congratulations to Henry! That is an amazing triumph for him, and clearly a source of well-deserved pride for you. Thank you for sharing it-and Henry- with us.
Wonderful news! Thanks for sharing. Your words of pride and love sing over the ether-bits. I so look forward to continued successes for you and your family for many years to come!
WOO-HOO to Henry and all of his family and friends! My heart is so filled with joy for him. At 52 years old, I still don’t know what that “dream” is for me but because of a lot of time spent looking inside myself for the past several years, at least I now know that I will continue to seek it. When I was Henry’s age, I had no idea what having a dream meant or that I should have even had one. I am so aware now of how important this is to a life well lived and encourage my nieces and nephews in their dreams at every chance I get. So you go, Henry! Fly!
Fabulous! And from what I’ve read about Henry, well deserved. It will no doubt be as magical for you, sitting in the front row at Aladdin one of these days, as it was for him when he first saw Beauty & the Beast. Congratulations to you both!
Wow — CONGRATULATIONS!!! I studied drama as an undergraduate, and can imagine the thrill for BOTH of you. What an accomplishment! My little Abra is only 3, and already I find myself wondering, daily, “What will you do, what will you be, someday?” I wonder what clues are already laid forth. Both of those photos are just marvelous, too.
Katrina, this story gave me chills. I was able to sit in your shoes and envision the journey. What a thrill. What a story. Thank you for sharing.
I am so happy for Henry and for you. What fun. I love the photograph so much. It tickles me to think of your son wanting that play to go on and on, again and again. And he made it happen!
Wow!!! There is nothing more rewarding as a mom than watching your child realize a dream. I, like so many others, feel that I know your family through your writing and I celebrate the fact that through the struggles come brilliant, glimmering moments such as this. Congratulations to Henry and to your whole family. We live in NJ and my daughter is 11 so we will definitely see Aladdin on B’way and I will think of you and of Henry. Happy new year and thanks, as always, for your beautiful writings that bring us all together.
Beautiful moving post. So fascinating to see Henry instinctively sensed his path. Love the quote at the end about bequesting your children roots as well as wings. I always think of motherhood as a series of letting go. So painful at times to do so, but so exquisite when you watch them fly. Like the poem from Kahil Gibran where he says, ‘You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are set forth..’
As I read your post about Henry’s marvellous news, I actually exclaimed aloud with delight and looked around for someone to share the incredible news with! I have been following your family’s journey on your blog ever since reading “The Gift of an Ordinary Day” years ago. I almost feel like I have watched your sweet sons growing up from afar, and I am delighted and grateful to learn of Henry’s thrilling next step on his own journey.
Thank you for continuing to share and inspire mothers in this long and wonderous journey of parenthood.
What great news–and another heartwarming story! Thank you for sharing–and congratulations to Henry!
Maybe you two can re-create this photo moment? Have you seen those? A photographer takes pictures from the past and re-creates them in present day, with the same individuals, as close to the same pose and clothes! Of course, having fun with the image, in celebration of the journey between then and now!
Slow clap.
Wonderful!
This is such a wonderful, special story! Thank you so much for sharing, and heartfelt congratulations to him, and you. This is IT – what we all want for our children. So very happy that it happened for him! I can just imagine how joyful and fulfilling this is for you and his dad. Tears of joy and big smiles on this end! Thanks again – for this and all your wonderful posts and books.
Congratulations and great job being a parent and providing those opportunities to your son. As I reflect on my own 3 children all grown up. I am grateful for the time and energy put toward providing opportunities for them. Opportunities to grow and find what makes them happy; And I realize that this is such an endless gift. You can continue to provide these opportunities for ever, by sharing books or experiences or meaningful items forever. My great joy is to experience their success as they discover it throughout their lives. Then watch it continue in the next generation as our first grandchild is born !
Heartfelt Congratulations to Henry and his family! As a parent of adult children I can identify with your feelings of joy, pride and relief when their gifts and dreams are recognized. Blessings on the continued journey of writing from you Katrina and Henry’s musical path.
Congratulations to Henry and all of your family. Enjoy every moment of this wonderful time in life.
What a wonderful accomplishment! Congratulations to all of you!
Congratulations to your sweet Henry for realizing his dreams! And, congratulations to you, as his parents, for giving him the wings to soar! All our best to all of you in the coming year. xoxo
Congratulations to you all, because you all deserve the joy. Is there anything more perfect than your child ‘s dream come true? What a wonderful year ahead for your artful family…and quick healing for young Jack.
Happiest of new years…
Holly in Texas
Bravo, Henry!
Congrats, Mama!
NYC Broadway Orchestra is a tough gig; I have friends who work on Mamma Mia, Newsies and at Radio City.
Well done, indeed!
After hearing him all those years at High Mowing, I’m not at all surprised. He stayed the course, and never lost sight of his (childhood) dream. What a well deserved opportunity. Shine On Henry!!
Katrina, your story gave me chills. I’m so excited for Henry, and for you. I discovered a Spanish young man’s musical talent when he was an exchange student in my home a few years ago. I’ve been nurturing it like a parent and admirer of his gift ever since. He has dreams like Henry’s. 2013 was a big year for him as he was noticed by an American production company. His first film as a composer comes out this year. What is so coincidental to me in your post is that Pedro and I saw Aladdin in Seattle when they were workshopping it prior to Broadway. We joked that we would see it together on Broadway in many years. (He has lived and breathed cinema and musicals from an early age like Henry.) I believe in Pedro like you believe in Henry. Dreams do come true. I hope that someday I will see Aladdin on Broadway with Pedro. Your story and Henry’s connection to the musical will surely come to my mind. For now, your post inspires me to keep dreaming for Pedro, and for myself. Muchas gracias for sharing your proud mother moment with all of us dreamers. Congrats to Henry for persevering through all the highs and lows of his musical pursuits. May he never stop believing in his talent and what is possible.
I am a bit late here but am so excited for Henry and for you! That photo is great – Henry’s hands on his hips. So cute! I feel privileged to have met him and I have no doubt this is the beginning of a very long and successful career. What a wonderful tribute to you as a mother too for recognizing and encouraging his passion. I am so happy after reading this! Thank you for writing this. Hugs to you both!!
PS I thought of you both over New Year’s and was nostalgic for Kripalu.
Woohoo! Way to go Henry!! I’m so happy for all of you and will try to go see it.
What a wonderful story and opportunity for Henry. My son sent me the link to your blog. He too had similar dreams about 12 years ago and had some generous people help him take flight such as Clark Gesner of “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” fame and others. It too was clear for him at an early age when he would come out from behind the curtain and say “Ta Da”. We talked to our son recently and he said that he had called someone for the job of Production Assistant for Aladdin because they thought he clearly had passion. Congratulations.
Thank you for sharing your incredibly fabulous news! Henry must be jumping out of his skin;) There is such happiness for all of us when children realize their dreams. Congratulations, Henry!!! Enjoy every moment (and remember Elizabeth is in NYC, so keep her posted). Big hugs to you!
Such wonderful news, Katrina! Congratulations, Henry! I’m so happy to read this post, as I’m in the middle of Gift of an Ordinary Day right now and had been wondering about Henry’s future in music, given his childhood. How exciting! My son is 5 and has an affection for art and Legos. You’re writing has me wondering what these two loves might morph into in his future. PS. Aladdin has always been one of my favorites since my childhood.
Wonderful News!
This warmed my heart, and struck a deep chord as my own 24 year old son recently began a dream job a few months back.
Hearing his voice on the radio as he calls a basketball game. I hear the little boy who pretended to call play by play in the backyard.
Best of luck to your son, and may all our children’s dreams come true!
I’m overjoyed to learn of the realization of Henry’s dream!
I went, immediately, to a firkin (from Frye’s Firkin Works in Wilton),beautifully stained and stenciled…..a gift, to me, many years ago from Grammie Dyer. In it, among other items of great meaning to me, I reached for a picture of you and Henry. Your Mom and I had driven to Cambridge for a visit. The picture dated, January 14, 1990, depicts an adoring young mother and her infant son.
“Broadway Bound”! I noted on the back… 24 years later!
I am honored to share your pride!