Parents Incorporated
H i, everyone! I'd like to thank you all for coming. It's funny how we've never met, even though our kids have been friends for so long.
I'm Gloria's mother. I'm sorry that her father couldn't be here tonight. I arranged this meeting with the help of Ryan's parents because I know that we've all noticed the changes going on in our children these past few years.
I know that I was hesitant at first to let Gloria perform this kind of music, but I had no idea how talented she was. I was also shocked at her wanting to spend time with younger kids - I know that I would have done anything to avoid that when I was her age! But she would always speak so lovingly about her friends, and I know that they loved her as well.
When Gloria went into the hospital for her tonsillectomy, I know how frightened she was. I was frightened for her, too. It meant a lot to her to have her friends come and visit her.
The only time I was ever upset was when being in the band caused Gloria to neglect her schoolwork. I don't want her to make a habit of shirking responsibilities. Gloria showed me that the band was her responsibility, and she learned her lesson about keeping your priorities straight.
We've agreed to let Gloria go off to music school this year. It's something she really wants to do, and I respect that. Had she not been in Kids Incorporated, she wouldn't have found her true passion.
I'm going to hand this over to Ryan's father now, because he would like to share.
Thank you. Our son was never much of a social person. He'd much rather read than toss a ball around. Therefore, we were surprised when he came home one day saying he'd joined a band. I think that all he really needed was the right friends to help him break out of his shell.
Ryan had a difficult time dealing with the death of his grandfather shortly before he moved. They had been very close. Unfortunately, we had to move his grandmother in with us, and Ryan made the most sacrifices. It was his friends who helped him deal with his feelings and repair his relationship with his grandmother. I've spoken to my mother, and she's very taken with the whole bunch.
Ryan himself knows about this meeting, and he wanted me to tell you that Kids Incorporated has definitely changed his life for the better.
Who would like to speak next?
I suppose I shall. I have great interest in this band since both my girls are in it.
They used to fight like mad whenever they were together! Everything Renee went and did, Stacy wanted to do, too. We all held our breath when they joined the band together.
I want them to get along, but I hate forcing them. When they started arguing and the other children intervened, it really looked as if one of them was going to quit singing. My husband and I spoke to them, but I think ultimately it was their love for Kids Incorporated that made them realize how foolish they were acting.
Both of my daughters have grown into incredible young ladies with the help of their friends.
Renee has changed so much over the years. I'm glad her temper has cooled. It's probably my fault she tends to be bossy, but I wouldn't expect anything from her I didn't think she could handle. She was so upset when we had to get her glasses. We were afraid she wouldn't wear them at all. But she came home delighted and told of how the kids helped her enjoy them.
I'm very grateful to Kids Incorporated for welcoming my niece as well. Samantha is so anxious to return to the States again. She and Renee are getting along swimmingly now. I was worried that they were too different, but they finally found something in common. There's talk of one of the girls going to visit her for a change this spring.
I don't believe it will be Stacy. She's very much in love with the band. I'm glad she has some positive role models to look up to. I admit I haven't been one. I didn't realize my smoking was affecting the girls. Thanks to your children, Stacy - and I as well - realized the dangers of smoking and why we shouldn't. I've been smoke-free for nearly two years now, which is very good considering I'm pregnant! I know it will be hard on Stacy, having another child in the house. I'm glad that she has someone to talk to about it.
Oh, I didn't mean to prattle on so long! I'll let someone else have a go.
My son has been in the band for a few years now. He can't get enough of it. I do believe it's changed him, and I'm glad.
It might come as a surprise to you to hear that he used to be shy. Yes, The Kid was shy! We moved, so he didn't know anyone. He was lucky that Gloria heard him and invited him to the band. I've never seen him so involved.
Kids Incorporated gave Kid something great - the chance to reconcile with his brother. I'm a stubborn man. I wanted a good life for my sons, and it cost me Bill. I was determined not to make the same mistake with The Kid. He's been getting after me now to sit down and talk things out.
We were very surprised when he decided to tell his friends his real name. We hardly ever use it; he insists on being called Kid. That's something his brother gave him, and it was hard for me not to use it without being aware of the connection.
Rahsaan is who he is because he had Kids Incorporated.
That was beautiful.
I've been listening to each of you speak, and I'm really happy for my own son.
Richie's had a hard life these past few years. His father's been transferred so often that we don't get to live anywhere for more than a year. Last month, I finally decided to put an end to it, and I intend to put down roots in the area that I grew up in. I was afraid that Richie wouldn't make any friends because he assumed he'd be saying goodbye to them again. Your kids took him in and made him feel like a part of something.
I know he tends to exaggerate. I think it stems from having to impress people in such a short amount of time. I think he might have finally got the message now that telling stories will cost him his friends. He's so eager to make and keep friends...and I think he might have a little crush on one of them...
Yes, I saw the "Win a Date with Renee" posters all over town and suspected he had something to do with it. I hope he didn't cause too much trouble! He's just impulsive, and he realized what he did wrong after I grilled him about it. To be honest, it scares me that he's starting to get into girls. I just know he's going to get his heart broken someday.
Thanks for being so welcoming, everyone.
Oh, you're very welcome! We should get together more often. We have a group of wonderful, talented children. Let's be grateful they have something positive to do that (hopefully) keeps them out of trouble.
Now, who's for going to The P*lace?
The End
