“The theatre is magic, there is magic in the theatre. Blessed are those who create that magic.”

As I hear these words echoing in the distance, these words which I have heard countless time before, I come to the dismal realization that this is the last time I will perform on the same stage as the seniors who I have become so close to and who I consider my family. As we unite together holding hands, I look at each and every single person and I bask in the sheer talent and beauty they have brought into my life. As we offer up our show to the Lord, I take a deep breathe and pray that the performance runs smoothly. I hold back the salty tears that have begun to flow down my face and begin embracing everyone. As I hug the seniors who will be leaving, I hold them a little tighter as if to tell them not to go. As I approach my friend Cameron, who will be leaving soon, he turns to me, tears filled to the brim, and mutters to me “Thank you.” I ponder, unaware of what he means at that moment.

“Places in five” shouted our crew chief. I roam backstage unaware of what to do. I am in a state of disbelief and I do not know exactly where the best place is to be at this point. After double checking to make sure all my props are in place I decide that the best place to be is by my starting position. As I collect my thoughts I am approached by my friend Carlie. As a senior, this is her final show. Realizing this I hug her and remind her that everything will turn out amazing and to trust in the Lord. As we take our positions for curtain I begin to tear up remembering this is the last time I will perform this show. My dear friend Allison turns to me and quietly whispers “Save those tears for later.” I take my place on stage and as the bright stage lights beat on my face I look out into the audience to see the faces of the people waiting with anticipation for the show to start.

As the first act come to an end, I am overflowed with emotions. Not sure how to handle this surplus of feelings I head upstairs to change for the second act. As I am changing out of my extravagant teal dress for the last time I think back on the comment that my friend made earlier. These two simple words produced a change in me. I realized at this moment that these people are not leaving forever they will always remain in my heart, changing me every day.

As we take our places for the beginning of the second act I turn to my friend Benji and I ask “Are you ready?” Seeing a change in his emotions he replies, “I don’t think I will ever be.” I give him a quick hug and go on stage to deliver my lines.

As the show is coming to a close, my close friends and I gather in our usually resting place. The sweet melody of the song “You Are Not Alone” begins to play. Sitting back listening to the song I pay extra attention to the words being expressed in the song. These lyrics cause a change in me and yield a sense of peace because I realize that although I am halfway through the woods I am not alone and no one leaves for good.

As we are getting ready to take our final bow, tears begin to flow down my face, smearing the worn down makeup. As I take a deep breathe and steady my shaky voice I am approached by a voice that mutters, “Macy don’t worry. This is not a goodbye, but a see you later.”

I make my way onstage for the last time and recall all the memories I have made during this show. I recall the lesson of this show and realize I was gifted this opportunity to help me find peace within my life. Though life is fearful, I know I will make it out of the woods because I am not alone. No one is alone.