I have several “families.” Of course, my best and favorite family is small and consists of my husband Tim and my son Jon. I have a few other relatives, some that I care deeply for and some that I tolerate well, but day in and day out these two are my world.
I have my church family that is always there for me and includes some of my very best friends. Some of these friends I have had for many, many years. We raised our kids together and those kids are now grown and still friends as well. Some of my church friends are newer. When tragedy strikes, this family appears and carries me in ways I didn’t even realize I needed. People I barely know step up to take care of me when I need it most.
My newest “family” is the Birmingham Theatre family. I would say it is the most dysfunctional family that I am a part of, but that wouldn’t be exactly true. (I’ll just leave that statement alone.)
In the years I wrote reviews, a very few people decided they did not like me. (Actually only two that I know of.) Most of the family, however, was supportive and fun. It was a good experience.
Since I have quit writing reviews, I still get press releases and invitations from other “family” members to shows and events. I always carefully tell them how much I appreciate their invitation, but that I am no longer writing for BroadwayWorld. Pretty much everyone has told me I am still invited to come and some even still want my input about their productions.
It makes me feel great to have that happen.
I have gotten several opportunities since I quit to work with people I only knew from reviewing them or seeing their posts on the the official “Birmingham Theatre Family” page. All have been fun to work with and supportive of my change in direction.
Right after I quit BWW, I got messages from people I did not know thanking me for what I did for the community and wishing me well. One lady said she used me as an example to her kids, to tell them that it was OK to change courses and try new things.
The other day I got a message from someone I do not know at all, except by name. He was wanting to know how to get a press release to me. Again, I carefully told him that I no longer worked for BWW and that I did not think anyone had taken my place yet. I told him that I had quit to return to the performance side of things and was sorry I could not help him.
We then texted about what I had done since quitting and he told me that I was making the right choice. We discussed his latest project and then he typed in “Life is a Banquet and most poor suckers are STARVING TO DEATH! GO MARIETTA!” he finished with “I am sure BWW will miss you, but what a blessing to the Bham theatre family. I think it is great!”
Here is someone who really doesn’t know me being so encouraging and kind. He took time out of his day to cheer me on. He said what I needed to hear and made sure I felt validated and cared for.
And that is what family does.
I am grateful to have so many families who hold me up whether it be in the face of catastrophes or life’s tough decisions, needing help with my confidence and career choices or just loving me for who I am, even when I am not sure exactly who that is. I am truly fortunate.
