The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow

Posted bySusan Dieter-RobinsonPosted inOur Love-Drenched-Life

Today is a big day for us, opening night of Annie.

Last year Abigail wanted to tryout for Narnia at Theater in the Grove so Tom took her up to audition and upon their return he declared that he could see himself being in the play too. Thus beginning our journey of becoming a “theater family”. Tom landed the role of Mr. Beaver and Abigail one of the White Witch’s creatures. I helped with make-up with Anna in tow.

The experience was so positive for us that we said we would make it a tradition to be a part of the winter production as a family each year. Abigail, Anna and Tom would try out and I would help out behind the scenes…I’m not much of an actor. Come to find out Anna really had no desire to audition for a play either. She said she would be in it but there was no way she would get up on stage by herself and audition. I understood where she was coming from…we would both help out at some capacity behind the scenes. It was going to be so much fun.

Annie auditions were a huge success for Abigail, landing a role as one of the orphans. She was so excited and we were so excited for her. Unfortunately we came into some unexpected “house issues” and made the decision that Tom would spend the time working on those while Abigail was at rehearsal every night. He didn’t try out as planned even though they were in need of guys for the ensemble. Anna and I would help out where needed but overall this was going to be Abigail’s experience and we were going to support her in every way possible. Like I said, she was excited.

Oct. 20th was her first rehearsal. Tom and the girls stopped up at the theater after rehearsal to check in with me, I was volunteering for Young Frankenstein and I was very happy to see my family. Abigail was smiles from ear to ear. Anna was also having a wonderful day with her Tom and excited that Abigail was done with rehearsal, they were going to play spies.

About week after the girls went to Heaven Tom and I laid in bed one morning and talked about connecting with the director and seeing if there was still space for us to be involved. We knew that being in the play would occupy a big chunk of our time and at that point we felt desperate to fill our day. We had no idea how we were going to make it, our lives were all about our girls and now they were gone.

I sent out an email and Darren, the director and now dear friend, accepted us with open arms. He also told us that he was dedicating the run of the show to our girls; he was just getting to know Abigail and had already seen that she was not only talented but an amazing kid.

Tom would be a part of the ensemble, having 4 different parts and I would assist Darren and help wherever needed. We would have rehearsal Monday-Thursday from 6:30-9:30 and on Sundays from 1-6; we had a plan and it felt right.

For the past month and half the theater has been a safe place for us. We go there every night and spend time with the most amazing people. The orphans remind me so much of my girls and they are all so sweet. The cast and crew are not only talented and hard working, they are now people we consider to be good friends. Parker, the dog that plays Sandy, is not only an actor but a therapy dog. He is definitely good at what he does and his little brother Reser will follow in his paw steps in becoming a comfort to many. He doesn’t know it yet but he’s already a therapy dog.

I feel an extra special connection with one woman in the ensemble. She has truly lead an amazing life. Being a foster mom for newborn infants she has given so much to so many. Truly a role model for me. She is currently waiting for a kidney due to having kidney disease. She is on the other side of organ donation. We pray for her daily as I know she is praying for us too. I am hopeful her call will come. Last night she told me she recently had a dream that she got the call during the run of the show and I had to be her understudy. I should probably start practicing her lines. I pray that it happens soon for her.

We are so proud to be part of this production in honor of our girls. Abigail’s sweater, the same one she wore for auditions, is hanging in the orphanage. Molly, one of the orphans, snuggles up to one Anna’s stuffed animals. My girls are there every night and will continue to be there. I know that if they could they would thank everyone involved for creating this loving space for us. I know, through God’s Grace, the Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow!

21 thoughts on “The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow”

  1. Pingback: Be On Stage ~ Check | Love-Drenched Life
  2. Pingback: The Love Story Continues… | Love-Drenched Life

  3. A fantastic audition! This has meant so much and the participation of you and and Tom has made it so special. Thank you both for your involvement.

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  4. Thank you for the gift of sunshine during such a difficult time. Thank you to the director who “love drenched” this production. Wonderful! It’s all truly beautiful. I see all the love pouring out on you two and from you and that gives us all hope that the sun will shine, come what may. Love, love, love. We love you and Tom.

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  5. Hi,
    I don’t know your family but I feel blessed to now make your love drenched life stories a part of my life. We share a mutual friend.

    At first I heard of your family through news media and because I’m a parent my heart broke for you.

    Then because we have a friend in common I started to see the community of Forest Grove come together through different post on FB.

    Then I started checking in on post hoping that you were experiencing shimmers of relief through your grief. I found myself grateful to know you were and were surrounded with so much love and support. I found myself grateful to have a mutual friend because I realized that through your strength and inspiring ability to love, to breath, to celebrate, to go on has just made me a more appreciative person. Through your stories I have hope and know that there is nothing in the world that can steal away the love we have for our family, even if family leaves us too soon.

    Through your sadness and loss you have kept your heart open and are daring to teach us to celebrate every moment of the life we live. Not that life will be perfect, not that I will not be grumpy with my child or suddenly be the perfect friend or wife. Just to live life through whatever is thrown our way with a open heart. You have taught me that hearts can be broken but not lost.

    May peace find your hearts and I am so grateful for your strength and vulnerability. Thank you for drenching our lives with love and hope.

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  7. Annie would not be the amazing production it is without yourself and Tom. TITG is truly blessed that you are a part of our family!

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  8. What a star! So nice of you to share. Can’t wait until the Sunday matinee! I am so happy to know this project has been a truly special gift for you. Lots of love. -Dina

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  11. Annie auditions were such a fun experience! I loved watching our girls chat and commiserate about their “nerves.” Very excited to be there tonight! When I told Madison we’d be helping out she got real quiet and said, “I wanted to bring Abby flowers.” And so we will! Love you!

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  13. I am so glad I was able to share this video with you 🙂 Thanks to you and Tom for all that you have done for the show. I know that Abby and Anna will be there every night watching 🙂

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    1. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Darren for sharing this video! We love you and yes they will be there every night.

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  15. A triumphant uplifting play – I know Abby would have been great in her role! Can’t wait to see the show! What a blessing for you and Tom, to have this experience and feel their presence there, surrounded by love, it’s a beautiful thing! Thank you for sharing the video 🙂

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  16. What a blessing that theater has been to so many! Thank you for sharing that video! Love hearing your girl sing. One of the many things I loved about Abigail is that she would sing loudly in my van….and never grimaced when I did!

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  18. Susan I am so happy I came across this blog. I haven’t seen you in 20 years but I think about you every day. My daughters even pray for your family! You make me a better mom, wife, sister, daughter, and friend! I really don’t think you have any clue of what an amazing person you are! You are so inspiring! I wish more than anything I could take your pain away.

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