Madonna & Me

If you would have told me back in the 80's that Madonna and I would someday have something in common, I would have shit.  There is no way.  I don't sing, I don't dance, and she doesn't wonder where her next meal is coming from or how she is going to pay the rent. 

I was into punk and metal and she gave that all up for fame, glory and pop music. Who wouldn't? Well I wouldn't! Although, I will admit, I secretly loved her movie Who's That Girl.

So here we are, 2013 and come to find that we, Madonna and I, have something in common.  After all these years, our universes and separate lives collide to a shared experience -- we both have daughters who are playing the roll of Betty Rizzo in their high school productions of Grease.

So how do you think they do costumes at Lourdes' school?  I shopped at thrift stores. 

What does the theater at her school look like?  Ours is a gym-a-torium with folding chairs.

How much emphasis is placed on the production? Our director has to fight with the football coach and basketball coach for gym space and to have the students for rehearsals.

I have no idea how Madonna has chosen to raise her daughter. Does she have private lessons?  Do they travel to Europe often?  Who drives her to school?

I do know how I have chosen to raise my daughter-- with a sense of purpose (even if you don't know what that is) and a sense of service (even if you don't feel like serving).   My daughter did take vocal lessons this summer.  I had a college student come by for a half hour every week.  $15 bucks!  Not bad!   My daughter has been to Italy-- the summer of her freshman year. She saved all her birthday money, did work around the house and paid for a large part of her own trip.  And as for driving her to school-- well that would be me. 

Bottom line is this -- I was able to see my daughter belt out There are worse things I could do during a rehearsal last week.  For a moment, I forget it was my beautiful girl up there.  I got lost in the role she was playing. I was watching Rizzo and Sandy .... trying to explain themselves to each other.

It was good.  

The security will probably be heavy for Madonna's daughter this weekend-- why not come and see my daughter and a great cast from a middle class town instead.