My Ex and I have one DD (15) between us. He left 7 years ago and since then his input in taking her to activities has been minimal mainly because they disrupted his watching of rugby.
It turns out that she would like to turn her activities into a career in musical theatre ( she and I are all to aware how tough it is). She is talented.
In 2014 I found a children's musical theatre group for her to join from which she has learned and huge amount and has grown as a performer enabling her to move through the ranks. The group is a charity and when it looked like it would fold a few years ago I joined the committee to support and am currently the chair person, but have no creative responsibility and no influence over casting.
As it became clear this was what she wanted to do and that she had a good shot at it I have found choirs, associate programs at theatre schools and the such like for her to be part of. I fund and transport her to all these classes.
Last night was the opening night for the run of the main show for the musical theatre group DD has the lead role, both ExH and I watched. DD was excellent I was so proud, I was enormously proud of all the children in the group as every single one of them has grown as a performer in the last 6 months.
This morning I get an email from ExH telling me I need to sort the sound mixing, this is carried out by the professional sound tech at the theatre, we can feed back that we feel there need to be changes, but don't actually control it.
And then that I must make sure that DD moves on to a better group as fast as possible as she is too outstanding for the current group.
DD has just one more year till she 'graduates' from the group she is friends with every member of the company and I have brought her up to know that a 'star' is only as good as their company. And she has worked with younger and less experience members to help them to shine.
No where in his email did he actually say what an amazing show it was ( it really was their best so far IMO) or how hard everyone must have worked ( they have done).
Of course no mention of the effort that goes into organising her schedule ( I work full time including nights and weekends) not the cost - yes your £27.34 per month doesn't even feed her or pay for a single pair of her dancing shoes,
But still I must ensure she is moved as soon as possible.
Thank you if you have made it through my ranting essay.