Letting Go of Pride

Sonya Schumann Before Dissertation Recital at U of M

I’ve been practicing the song, Let It Go, from the movie, “Frozen”.  It’s a difficult process.  The first one being, “Letting it Go” and letting it be what it is, when it comes out.  Pride is a difficult thing to tame for a performer.  (or maybe for everyone)  I’m performing it for Holden’s Top-Surgery Extravaganza Campaign.  Holden is my son, and he performed it on Youtube.  Then Elizabeth, my daughter, performed it a week ago for the campaign, too.  It’s tough to follow the two of them, performing.  But, it’s been fun, too.  The process has been another humbling experience for me.  I record it tomorrow with Sonya Schumann, a close friend of Holden’s and an adopted daughter of mine.  She’s an accomplished pianist.  Sonya links for you:  http://www.umich.edu/~mtna/Members/Sonya.html  and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22GembPxYNc 

The Schumann Duo (Sonya is the one who first appears on stage, with the cell phone)

The words to “Let It Go” are powerful.  They’ve made it easier for me to memorize.  I believe them and feel them.  (Except the words, “You’ll never see me cry.”  It wouldn’t be true for me) The statement, “The cold never bothered me anyway”, is SO true for me. It makes me smile every time I practice the song or listen to it, to memorize.  

Self-Portrait on Cold Morning in St. Ignace

This song seems to speak of transitions that anyone is making.  Especially Holden’s!  The fears, the resolve, the determination to be who he is.  Not a she.  The good girl is gone.  I remember his father saying to me, “Margaret, she’s going to have to start wearing dresses sometime!”  Well, now things have crystallized for Holden and he won’t be going back. I think, if Harry were alive, he’d see what I see.  Holden being true to himself.  It’s not a matter of anyone “Should” or “Has to”,  but a matter of doing what is right for them, what rings true.  Being an authentic person.

My Handsome Son, Holden Madagame

I’m sharing the words to this song because I know some people, (like me) are better sponges when seeing things in print.  My visual and listening learning-abilities are my strength.  It makes it difficult for me to block out what American culture throws out there to distract/attract. 

LET IT GO   by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez

  

The snow glows white on the mountain tonight, not a footprint to be seen.
A kingdom of isolation and it looks like I'm the queen.
The wind is howling like this swirling storm inside. 

Couldn't keep it in, heaven knows I tried.

Don't let them in, don't let them see. Be the good girl you always have to be.
Conceal, don't feel, don't let them know.  Well, now they know!

Let it go, let it go!  Can't hold it back any more.  Let it go, let it go!
Turn away and slam the door. I don't care what they're going to say.
Let the storm rage on. The cold never bothered me anyway.

It's funny how some distance, makes everything seem small.
And the fears that once controlled me, can't get to me at all.
It's time to see what I can do, to test the limits and break through.
No right, no wrong, no rules for me.  I'm free!

Let it go, let it go.  I am one with the wind and sky.  

Let it go, let it go.  You'll never see me cry.
Here I'll stand, and here I'll stay.  Let the storm rage on.

My power flurries through the air into the ground.  

My soul is spiraling in frozen fractals all around.
And one thought crystallizes like an icy blast, 

I'm never going back; the past is in the past!

Let it go, let it go. And I'll rise like the break of dawn.  

Let it go, let it go. That perfect girl is gone.
Here I stand, in the light of day.  Let the storm rage on!  

The cold never bothered me anyway.

I hope you check out Holden's site and hear my rendition of "Let It Go".  It won't be perfect, but it will be me.

Here's Sonya and Me Do-- "Let It Go"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75x11b-GVH4&feature=youtu.be

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/holden-s-top-surgery-extravaganza/x/9541129  Holden’s site