Spud is sick again. He’s had one bug after another since Christmas, but he hasn’t missed one day of school. Fortunately, he had the worst bug during half term, when he barely got out of bed.
It’s his play this week. You may remember he’s playing Prospero in The Tempest. For those who don’t do Shakespeare, it’s the lead and he bears a huge responsibility.
He hasn’t missed one rehearsal. With weekend rehearsals he hasn’t had one day off in over two weeks. He is currently dosed up on anti-cold medicines and vitamin C, determined not to let anyone down.
We have always stressed to our children that if they take on a commitment, they must stick it out. He’s doing that.
What gets lost in the details, however, is that he’s a seventeen-year old boy and he’s doing this for fun. I wonder how much fun he’s having, taking his homework along to do in today’s dress rehearsal lunch break?
I am never embarrassed to boast about my children; and today, I even have reason.
I’m proud of you, Spud. That will never get lost in the details. It’s a brave new world that has people such as you in it.
The Laughing Housewife 
Pray thee stand tall and robust on soonest hour, stout Spud. Thy parentage avow the vastitude of thine spirit above all. And rightly so, good lad.
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I see Al has been practicing his lines. Can you give the poor man a part in your play?
For Spud, are you the guy who does the speech which involves a sea-change? Love that part. Dianne
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No; that’s Ariel, but he says it to Prospero:
Nothing of him that doth fade
But doth suffer a sea-change
Into something rich and strange.
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It sounds as though Spud’s been taking the advice to break a leg to heart, at least metaphorically. I wish him hale and hearty for the performance.
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Fingers crossed!
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Poor Spud, but what a trouper. I hope he feels better soon and his Prospero is brilliant (which I am sure it will be with such dedication to duty).
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He is far too adorable. You have every right to be one proud Mama!
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And so you should be! What tenacity! And the ability to contort his face into the most mind-bending shapes to boot. Get well soon, Spud, and al the best for The Tempest. It is my favourite Shakespeare play I think.
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It is my least-favourite but I studied it for A level and my degree 😦
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I’ll agree with that Mrs …you have one helluva son there….. Break a leg Spud!
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What a lovely interpretation of the challenge. Your son sounds really committed to his work and play at the same time 🙂 You have good reason to be a proud mommy! 🙂 Hope he feels better soon!
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Indeed… both of your sons have given you much to be proud of.
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😀
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Good luck to Spud and well done for being such a trooper, I’m not sure my 17yr old Skater would be so dedicated.
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He has always been the same – he makes up his mind to do something and he sticks to it 🙂
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I applaud you for teaching your children to finish what they have begun, but if he has a fever I would not wish him to go to school and spread the sick germs……….great photos!!!!! Hope he gets better soon. Spring is almost here!
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You make an excellent point but they all seem to be ill at school at the moment – which is where he caught his germs 🙂
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I hope he feels better soon. 🙂
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Been spreading your germ-love around, Tilly?
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😀
He gave it to me first, then took it back.
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Standing Ovation Spud. seems you’ve already earned it.
I well remember the days of doing homework between scene calls, costume fittings and voice dialect drills. It’s all worth it once the applause sounds – and I am certain it will sound for you! 🙂
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A teacher he doesn’t know was at yesterday’s rehearsal and told Spud he was ‘captivated’ by his performance 🙂
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I’m sure Spud’s doing fine, Tilly. He can get his rest afterwards!
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That’s what he says!
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Get well soon, Spud. You’re commitment in the face of adversity is to be commended. “How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world,
that has such people in’t!” 🙂
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I’m chuffed you got the reference 🙂
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Well, I was going to say something facetious, but decided to just say: GET WELL, SPUD!!! ALOHA FROM HAWAII.
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Thanks! 🙂
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You deserve to be proud. When this is over you can spoil him with his favorite goodie.
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Doing it already, to keep him going 🙂
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Bravo Spud!
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Blessings on your son, Tilly.
If you get tired of him, I’ll take him! 🙂
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😀
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Perhaps Spud just needs a couple days in bed to rejuvenate his system so he can fight some of these bugs! Hope he feels better soon!
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I swear by a tablesppon of honey with a peeld glove garlic in it …chuck it down followed by small amount of water 3 x’s day for 3 days ..knock what ever nasty there is in the body !!! Good luck Spud and your a lucky young man to have such talent and such a loving and talented momma!!
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That’s a good tip but I don’t know if I’m brave enough to try it 🙂
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Get well soon, Spud. I remember when my young daughter was in A Christmas Carol with the New York State Theater group and she caught the flu just before dress rehearsals. She missed dress rehearsal, but managed to make the performances of the play, thank heaven. You will too. The show must go on.
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Thankfully, adrenaline trumps germs 🙂 Well done to your daughter.
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