As the cast of Oklahoma! danced “The Farmer and the Cowman,” blonde-haired Henry strutted his toddler self, wearing a cowboy hat and boots, just like his dad, the cowboy lead. His baby sister Gracie clapped in time to the boisterous music.

Henry had adored Seussical when Matthew, his dad, played The Cat in the Hat, also donning a striped hat to identify with him. Because his dad was MATT THE MIC, a voice actor by day, Henry was familiar with pretend, characters, imagination, make-believe, and imitation. But no cast members prepared Henry for the imaginative conclusion of Act 1 when a dream sequence turns nightmarish and Curly’s nemesis fights Curly to his death.

I watched across the auditorium as Henry frowned, his lip began to quiver and then he mouthed the words, “Daddy.” Fearing for his daddy’s life, tears streamed down his face.

Matt suddenly realized the problem and raced over and embraced his son, “It’s all pretend,” he explained.

The reconciliation and comfort, and tender care both had for one another was a beautiful father/son moment and resonated with the cast.

And then I realized why.

We don’t get to jump up from the stage and comfort those we leave behind. And when we lose a parent, we don’t get one more chance to be held and to say, “I love you.” Those two shared a moment that was not real, but it wasn’t pretend. Dad saw his son’s love and son felt the reassurance of his dad.

Today is a not pretend. Today is a real opportunity to say, “I love you.” Today we can reach out to someone who needs comfort and reassurance. It’s a privilege.

Who needs your love or comfort today?

“Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.” –Jesus