Lead Role

At a very young age, I fell in love with the stage. The bright lights, the audience, the magic of make believe. I loved being in plays. However, with my subpar acting talent and tone deafness, I never landed a lead role. Wishing to be the tricky Brer Rabbit, I had to settle for dim-witted Brer Bear. Had my heart set on the beautiful Daisy Mae, but was sadly cast as a dirty, stinky Scrugg. The role of precocious Anne of Green Gables was not to be mine, but I proudly recited the lines of sweet Ruby Gillis. The closest I ever got to the lead was Tootie Shoe, a thin, sickly girl who follows the lead of Wanda in Once Upon a Playground.

And now, as a wife and mother of two, the ambition of being the star on stage has been tossed aside. Occasionally, I do still daydream about being a leading lady. Oh, to be loved and adored by so many people!

Today, I’m off to the grocery store - alone, which is a rare treat. I quickly jump in the family SUV (at least it’s not a minivan, right?) and sneak away. Quietly easing down our sleepy suburban street, I let my mind drift. I’m not driving a squeaky, dented-up Explorer, but being driven in a stretch limo sipping a mimosa and listening to music that has nothing to do with farm animals. My flip flops transform to platform stilettos and my T-shirt and shorts become a strappy, slinky gown. I arrive at Publix (where shopping IS a pleasure!) and pretend it is the after party of my newest hit on Broadway. I flash my million dollar smile at a stock boy - I mean security guard - who obviously admires my stunning beauty (or is just wondering why my shorts are on backwards). I glide down the aisles imagining a plush red carpet cushions my feet. I stop to pose for pictures holding my Tony Award (which greatly resembles Ragu spaghetti sauce). I continue on as the roar of the crowd becomes so loud I can only make out a few words – “she’s here,” “the best,” “love you,” “paper or plastic”…

“Ma’am? Is plastic okay?” Blushing, I slowly enter back into reality and hand the cashier my environmentally-friendly reusable grocery bags. I add a couple of items from the checkout display and pay with my bankcard, saying a little prayer that there’s enough in my account to cover it all. The ride home feels much bumpier and I notice a jelly stain on my shirt. My mood dampens as I pull into my driveway.

But that mood is short lived. Out of the door pops a blond-headed boy and wide-eyed girl. They come running to the car. “Mama’s here!” I hand them their treats and get a hug and a, “you’re the best!” “I love you!” And I realize – I have found my leading role, loved and adored by two precious people.

“…the powerful play goes on, and you will contribute a verse.” Walt Whitman