For two and one-half months Dawni had prepared for this day. It was the school assembly, and it was her first solo performance on the drums. Now, it had been a struggle for her to get to this point. Initially her father had been against her playing the drums, but he had finally relented and said, “Okay” in the face of her tears and determination. But, before she was allowed to study and play the drums, she had been required to study another instrument.

Patiently, therefore, she learned the flute, waiting until the opportunity came to play the instrument that was her heart’s first desire - the drums. And now that day was here. This assembly was even more significant since it was the first one that her mother had been able to attend. It was Dawni’s big moment. The night before, she had spent so much time on her clothes, and so much time on her hair; she was so prepared and so eager. The band director gave the cue and started the piece. But when Dawni struck the snare drum, no sound came out. Someone or something had misadjusted the drum making it completely useless. Well, there was no way the director could stop the piece now, so it went on without her. While the other percussionists performed and shined, Dawni dropped out of her chair down on the floor, and desperately tried to repair the damaged drum. Frantically she worked, but the piece ended before she could get it fixed.

Now from the stands, Mother watched it all, knowing that her dear daughter was in trouble, but unable to go to her or help her in any way. At the conclusion of the assembly, Dawni walked out of the crowd and directly to her mother, her eyes swimming with hot tears before she even reached her. So long and so hard had she worked, and the moment was irretrievably gone. It hurt – it hurt a lot!

Her mother reached out and took her in her arms, and spoke soothingly and comfortingly. Her older sister, who was also there, left her friends behind and came to Dawni’s side, put her arms around her, hugged her, and offered love and encouragement. The two sisters only had a moment to talk with Mom before going back to class. And as they turned to go, Dawni’s sister put her arm around her again and said, “C’mon Dawni, let’s go. There’s nothing you could’ve done about it. You did the best you could.”

And together – now note it – ‘together’ they went. Even moments later when kids began to make fun of Dawni, her sister jumped in, defended her, and stayed by her until she returned to class.

You know, the pain and Dawni’s bitter disappointment was not, and is not gone. Even as she told me this story she cried. The pain will probably always be there. But one thing’s for certain: The pain was made more bearable because of those who shared it with her.

My dear friends, be there! Just be there! And I promise you love will be so much stronger if you are.