April 11, 2017 has been a day we marked on the calendar in September.  This day, has been a conversation in our house for months.  This day is the first grade concert - and Harper has been convincing herself that she can do it for weeks.  The last few nights, Harper cried herself to sleep because she was so nervous about the performance.  She has been practicing and singing all her songs to anyone who would listen, but when it comes to thinking about standing on those risers, in front of an audience, the tears start forming in her blue eyes.

Mrs. Mancini, our beloved music teacher, has been instrumental (pun intended) in developing positive self talk around the big show.  Harper has been repeating the mantra "I can do it, I know I can do it.  I'm just gonna look right at Mrs. Mancici, and no one else."  Words straight from her teacher's mouth.  She picked out her dress, straightened her shoes and selected the bow.  She took a deep breath, and that girl nailed it.

 Now who's eyes are filling with tears?