When my daughter wins her first award - for her acting, her writing, or her singing - and stands in front of the podium to speak to the gathered throngs, I expect to be acknowledged. Along with her mother, I'm not asking that we're thanked first - especially if the applause hasn't yet subsided and the audience will miss hearing us mentioned - but I am expecting the most effusive accolades she can muster. Fair is fair.
Yeah, I know artists thanking their parents at awards shows for the unwavering support lavished on them is a bit tired. Don't care; my wife and I warmly embrace the cliche - we earned it. Those of you in the adoring public who don't care who thanks whom, switch off the TV - plenty of others will hear about us. I've also already instructed my daughter how my blog URL must be noticeable on the glitzy red-carpet-ready outfit she's wearing. My preference: REFLECTIONS FROM THE BELL CURVE.COM across the rim of a very large, very red hat.
Self-centeredness aside, what floors me are those instances when award winners don't mention their parents at all. Have you ever wondered what's up with that?
There is always someone that you could not do without on your path to success but it is not always your parents.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many examples of individuals rising from the situation they were in where the parents were not a part of. There are so many "self made" types where parents may not deserve or expect the acknowledgment.
In your case it is well deserves for all of the support, advice, guidance and parenting you have provided.
Chris; Thanks for both your comment and your sentiment that acknowledging us is well deserved. I couldn't agree more! Ha!
DeleteYou had better call your daughter and tell her you are just kidding! Seriously though, won't it diminish the thrill if the public gratitude has been coerced?
ReplyDeleteI accept that any "coercing" on your part might diminish your thrill. But as we both know, you are much more evolved than I. I plan to wallow in whatever I get. And I expect any acknowledgment I get to be over-the-top, coerced or otherwise.
DeleteLOL! From what I know of you two, it would be well deserved.
ReplyDeleteInes; Thanks for your comment and your astute acknowledgment of my awesomeness.
DeleteBeing someone who loves the theater, and who’s parents would always say that a Tony Award is in my future (full disclosure - it was when I was in HS productions), I have to say that, although my parents were both so very influential in my life, they may be the 3rd or 4th that I would give thanks. I always imagined thanking 2 directors who were so important to me. Then my wife. Unless she was first. And the the list goes to children, grandchildren, and anyone/everyone I’ve ever worked with. Wait ... did I just give my acceptance speech. Sorry. Dreams always continue.
ReplyDeleteRRGRMG; Thanks both for your comment and for an early draft of your acceptance speech!
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