PUBLIC AX

Zoe auditioned for ANNIE last night.

She’s sure she got the part. I mean the role. For her there’s only one — Annie. Zoe's my daughter. I marvel at that kid’s confidence. It borders on grandiose. Not that that’s a bad thing. I admire her ability to shed unwelcomed criticism or (in her mind) unfair admonishments from the likes of me and continue down the path she’s chosen, regardless of the possible pitfalls.

I mean, it’s tough sometimes to be her parent, but I admire her all the same. I believe someday, Zoe will utilize her strength to do good in the world.

Through experiencing daily Zoe’s innate sense of self, I’m beginning to understand how someone could venture into the public arena and remain in tact. Your “self” has to be big and burly; made of tough stuff, which is hard to reach or effect, negatively.

Not that I’m wishing that upon any of my children. I’m an exceptionally private person. Writing is my way of reaching out.

I’m the type of person who has always wondered if the Amish folks have something on the rest of us. I don’t like my picture taken, because I think maybe I’m revealing too much or even losing part of my soul. That’s how I feel at parties and large public functions where you must interface with countless strangers.

I’m not sure why I’m so self-protective, but by now I recognize my limitations. I don’t like to show my vulnerabilities. I’m glad not everyone is like me. That would be a lonely world.

Making connections and interfacing with strangers is what serving in the public is all about, isn’t it?

To be on stage, no matter what the arena — artistic, political, social — one must make themselves accessible from time to time, even vulnerable. I think most people on the public platform must crave the human connection fortified from simply being out there.

When you’re in the public eye, you’re also in public, which we’ve all been reminded these last days in a devastating way how dangerous that can sometimes be for ourselves and others who surround us.

I fear the acts of a few, or even one, will form a perspective among us, which will permeate and result in an attempt to shield those few brave people in the world who are willing to put themselves out there to forge a connection between the rest of us.

We would all lose what we as a people crave the most —individuals with the integrity and bravery who inspire us. Look at how we react to President Obama when he walks into a room and speaks.

But if my own daughter is any indication, there are people who won’t be thrown off their path.

They will continue to reach out and effect the world on a personal level. And we will continue to be inspired to agree or disagree; also publicly.

And thank God for that.