Stage lesson -ELF

Addison and Alfie are in ELF at CPT. Addison is Elf and Aflie plays a north pole Elf- wearing a mustache - and a little boy in a family in NYC. As I watched on opening night I was overwhelmed. I couldn't stop crying. Alfie is the youngest on stage- and is precise with his choreography and knows his marks. I was impressed. He's come a long way from the little kid that didn't want any attention and would just run the spotlight- flashlight when cousin shows were being acted out. I also couldn't stop thinking how much my Momma Sheri would LOVE this show. She was always Addison's biggest fan...and now the next generation of performers. So many tears. I also couldn't stop smiling--it was sooo cute! Addison was made for this part.

Now on to a sad/poignant story: On final dress rehearsal, in the final scene where everyone is on stage and Elf is doing a monologue about how no one can ruin Christmas, Alfie gets too hot- he's all bundled up in a winter coat, hat and gloves. He starts feeling woozy, turns green and then projectile vomits all over the stage.  He looked at Addison for help and Addison couldn’t stop the show and help him. His fellow stage mates, whisked him off stage and cleaned him up and cleaned up the stage as Addison finished up the show.

Alfie was so embarrassed- and barfy.   Addison felt so helpless. Later Alfie, through tears, asked Addison, "Dad, why didn't you help me?"(Stab in the heart.)

Addison explained that he heard and saw that Alf was in trouble, but he knew there were people right there that could and would help him. He explained that if he really needed to he would have stopped the show, cuz Alfie is more important than a show, but he felt certain others would step in...and they did.

This reminds me so much of the quote by Spencer W. Kimball — "God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs."

We are blessed to have so many good people in our lives who are God's hands on earth.  May we ever be mindful of this blessing.