My eldest’s school band performed at the Sydney Opera House last night, as part of the Festival of Choral Music. She was very chuffed. It was Husband’s custody night, so I tried to get out of going (eldest on stage for 5 minutes, countless strangers’ children on stage for the other 120 minutes). But Husband insisted we fork out $120 for tickets and go as a family.
I’m glad he pushed: it’s not often your kid is on stage at the Opera House. And the kids did so well, they sounded awesome.
But it’s weird to do the happy family thing when we’re not. Well, we WERE happy, especially after Husband bought me a vodka lime and soda and spicy lamb quesadilla and the youngest a plate of outrageously expensive fish and chips at the Opera Bar.
And we had a lovely natter together.
But it’s la-la land. It’s not real. It’s going to fall in a screaming heap when his … You know … is officially introduced into the picture.
So I left at interval, after my eldest departed the stage. Why wait so we could all go home together? We are no longer a family unit. I sleep at my place on Wednesday nights. The kids sleep at Husband’s.
And it no longer makes my eyes wet. It’s just the way it is.
housegoeshome 
Yep, been there, done that and yes, it’s just the way it is.
You can be proud of your children’s accomplishments and know that they are just happy you were there.
Ultimately, it’s about the children…
And they are doing pretty well, which is a blessing.
What Geoff said. x
Bittersweet, Alana.
My son played the trumpet in his school band at the Opera House and despite the 8 minutes of fame and 4 hours of kerfuffle I had a proud tear in my eye.
LOVE that photo, you photographer extraordinaire you!
Thanks Lee-Anne. Fancy us both having trumpet players in the family.
Haha, mine moved onto the piano but hasn’t touched either instruments for years! So much for Mozart 2!
Ok let’s set a date. Can you do Sunday, Monday or Wednesday as they are my child-free days each week
Great, a Wednesday is good for me usually. I’ll ‘DM’ you on Twitter my email! 🙂