Joseph Smith Musical

A family in our neighborhood decided to put on a production. For those who aren't in my ward right now, the mom of this family is the current YW president so we have gotten to know their family pretty well. They have a son Dylan's age and a son Preston's age too, which is fun. Our kids LOVE going to their house. Anyway, they decided as a family to put on a play with friends and family members, which was a Joseph Smith musical. They felt inspired to do it this year, especially when they realized that the anniversary of the martyrdom of Joseph Smith fell on a Sunday. And they asked Marcos to play the part of Joseph. Sarah Slade made each person's role in the play a matter of prayer and she felt very strongly that Marcos was meant to play Joseph. Now, for those who may not know him, although Marcos is very social and doesn't mind being in the spotlight, he has never done anything drama related in his life. He was SHOCKED and honored at the same time, but was hesitant when accepting the part. It has been a busy month of memorizing lines and practices for him on top of an already crazy schedule at work and with church stuff...not to mention my doctor appointments and unexpected stuff like our swamp cooler dying. Yeah, life is always hard when you feel like you need a break, but somehow those are the times we really seem to grow.

The cast had a full rehearsal Saturday (like all day), but we had family here to help put in our new swamp cooler (there's a post to come on this adventure later...how's that for a teaser) Anyway, let's just say it was a stressful day for Marcos. He was late for practice because he had to help here and then went stressed out feeling like he was letting everyone down. And then I think the nerves just got to him. Just one of those crappy days that everyone has...but his just happened to be in front of a bunch of people. Poor kid! I didn't even know what was going on because I was at my nephew's birthday party, but I had a nervous feeling the entire time. And I must have been somewhat in tune because he really did have a rough day. But that's what I love about Marcos. We can talk through anything if we are both calm enough (sometimes we need a minute, but in general we communicate really well). He still had to prepare his high council talk, which happened to be in our ward this time (even more stressful than normal). I tried to be a good wife and printed him off a couple articles that seemed to stick out to me in case he needed extra material. He used a little, but really the kid just writes a basic outline and then speaks with the Spirit (something I wish I was a little better at doing).

Sunday was BEAUTIFUL! His talk went so well, the kids were fairly well behaved for me in church so I could actually listen, the 2nd counselor in the bishopric said some really kind words about Marcos recounting some of the ups and downs he's seen Marcos go through and how he's grown and made choices in faith that were necessary for him. The talk was on faith and trusting the Lord by the way. Anyway, then because the missionary who was supposed to speak had canceled at the last minute, the 1st counselor in the stake presidency spoke for about 10 minutes to wrap things up. I love listening to him. He always has a great story and speaks from the heart. Anyway, good meeting. And everyone commented on how well Marcos did and even on how his words were an answer to their prayers. He really is so inspirational. He's a humble, loving, caring man who would do anything for anyone. I'm a lucky gal!

He came home and watched Argentina cream Mexico, which continued the highlight of his day and gave him a bit of down time. Then we went over his lines one more time, he got dressed, and headed off for his big moment. I think I may have been more nervous than him. I have never had a moment like that with him. I always know he'll do well giving a talk or playing the guitar or playing sports or anything else that he has done that I've been a part of, but this was new to him and he was nervous. Thanks to some friends, the kids did really well during the play and I was able to take some pictures. They did it twice so I took the kids the first time and then went back alone while the kids played at a neighbor's because I didn't think twice in one day would fly with my little ones. Anyway, it was AMAZING! Some of you may have seen it, most probably didn't, but it was an experience not to be missed. My step dad commented that he figured it would be pretty good, but he had no idea how great of a production it would be. They went all out. They had a sound system, 300 chairs set up in their yard and the music and talent was incredible. Marcos was the only one without experience in the performing arts, which explains his nerves. But his love and testimony of Joseph Smith was apparent in every word he spoke. It was awesome to sit back and watch my husband shine, to watch him overcome this fear and be something different than he'd ever been before. And then to watch everyone congratulate him and the little kids who anxiously waited in line to meet Joseph. So cute! By the way, my kids sat with our neighbors for 90% of the play and then wandered up front where I was taking pictures. They sat quietly though and it was great to get to hold them and talk to them a little at the end. The very end of the play was amazing! John Taylor (played by Travis Slade - the dad) sings "A Poor Way Faring Man of Grief" to Joseph and their incredible brotherhood comes through during the whole thing. Then the narrator (Sarah Slade - the mom) says a few lines about the shots killing Hyrum, Joseph leaning over his brother and then finally about Joseph being shot. I don't think there was a dry eye in the crowd. But the best part of the entire thing for me was watching my sweet Dylan. He got so choked up about the prophet being killed and was almost overcome by the Spirit. I have never seen a 6 year old react to something quite the way he did. He asked me so many questions last night and today. He just could not figure out why someone would kill a prophet. He really does have a spiritual side to him that often catches me completely off guard. Marcos said one of the cast members saw him crying and made a comment about it. "What are you doing at home with that kid? I have never seen a child so young so touched by the Spirit." Marcos did the sweet, husbandly thing and said it wasn't what he was doing, but what I was doing. But that's not true either. It's true that we try to teach our kids the gospel and right and wrong, but that spirituality is Dylan's - it's who he is - and we're just blessed to be the ones raising him. Marcos mentioned it to the rest of the cast before they had a prayer to start the second showing of the production and Brother Slade said, "If we touch no one else but that young child tonight, we will have done our job." It's true, although I'm pretty sure they touched everyone through word, music and song. INCREDIBLE! For me, it solidified what I already considered to be a pretty firm testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith.

Here are a few of the hundreds of pictures I took last night.