At age 12, my Dad brought me to my first Broadway play which was Evita. I remember it was also the first time I wore high heels which he had bought for me. Dad loved listening to the music from Evita and we listened to it over and over while we played checkers & backgammon in the living room at night. It was then that I think my love for the Spanish language began and stayed with me.
I remember knowing the lyrics of the entire show and I sat on the edge of my seat the entire time, lip-syncing every word so as not to bother the people in front of me. I was mesmerized by the story, the music, the lights ~ the entire experience. I will always remember Patti LuPone and subsequently Madonna for their portrayals of Evita Peron. When Evita the movie came out, Dad bought me the dvd…it was our special bond.
I began learning Spanish around the same time and I remember my Dad telling me that it was my only talent and that I should pursue it. Mathematics was not my strong point, but languages ~ well there, I excelled. I spent my Junior Year in Malaga, Spain where I fell in love with all things Spanish and felt so very much at home that my parents feared I wouldn’t return to finish my last year of university in the States, but I did.
So today I am thankful for my Dad’s wisdom and introduction to Spanish. So Dad, today'[s gratefulness goes to you.
Gracias, Gracias, Gracias…
xo