I’ve been granted permission to discuss the kids, because for right now, for this moment, all three of them are doing pretty well, all things considered, and because all three of them have a good reason to be excited, and they’re not above a little blatant self-promotion.

It’s time for the Tamaqua Area Drama Club’s Fall production, (Bonnie and Clyde, Nov. 10, at 6 p.m., Nov. 11, and 12 at 7 p.m.) and I’m beyond thrilled that all three kids are once again participating in the same activity, and even though the rehearsal schedule is crazy in these last few days leading up to the show, for me, it’s a joy to be able to drop everyone off at the same time, and pick everyone up at the same time. Although I’ve had several episodes of panic worrying that I’ve forgotten someone somewhere, I’m getting used to this luxury quickly.

There are other benefits as well. The other night, as we were coming home from their first joint practice (A is a supporting cast member, E is in the ensemble, and G is on the light crew), I sat quietly while they chatted about what had gone well during their run through, what needed work, and a whole host of other topics related to drama.

I was pleased to hear them offer each other constructive criticism and have no hackles rise or tantrums thrown. It was one of those moments when you realize that your kids are growing up and maybe, just maybe, they’re going to turn out OK.

Don’t worry, within 10 minutes they were back to fighting with each other over who clogged the toilet and who was responsible for unclogging it and order was restored in the universe. (Even that worked out eventually, so they’re learning all kinds of life skills.)

I did my best to hold back the tears. I was both sad that Steve wasn’t here to enjoy this moment, one we’d both wondered many times if we would ever see, and enormously proud of the resiliency that my kids have shown over these last few months.

In many ways, my kids haven’t missed a beat. A said early on that he knew he needed to continue participating in his activities, both to keep his mind occupied, and because he knew Dad would never want to be the cause of him missing an opportunity.

Some days I worry that he has bitten off more than he can chew, but as I look at my calendar that is full of working, coaching, kid running, dog training, house projecting, and, sometimes a little writing, I don’t question where he finds solace.

G and E have kept up a full plate of activities as well. I had been worried that G wasn’t spending enough time in the woods, but with the acquisition of my hunting license, and the retrofit of Steve’s old bow, G has spent as much time in the woods as he has wanted to.

Oversleeping on Saturday mornings isn’t something new. G’s refusal to budge some days was a frequent source of frustration for Steve, whereas I go back to bed, happy that some traditions have stuck.

E and I did something that was very out of character for both of us, but oddly enough, I don’t think I regret. E asked to quit an activity in the middle of a season. My initial response was the same as it always has been, “you started it, you finish it” but about halfway through lecturing her on needing to suck it up, I realized that things aren’t like they always have been and maybe something needed to give.

I wasn’t worried about her turning into a couch potato as she had several other activities she truly loves and is passionate about to keep her busy. I wanted her to know that sometimes a girl just needs to say “enough” and those around her need to hear it and understand it.

If there is one thing I have learned over these last few months, it is the value of time, and spending any of it doing something that makes us truly unhappy, especially when it serves no higher purpose, is a tragic waste.

The Tamaqua Drama Club, besides being a first-rate program that has put on some of the finest productions I’ve ever seen, holds a special place in my heart after these last few months.

Way back when … drama was the first activity that A decided to join of his own accord. We had chosen what sports he would play as a child, based on what we felt was safest and best for his heart condition. We expected the kids to learn to play an instrument, although they had the choice as to which one.

We signed them up for Scouts, and although they’ve stuck through it and enjoyed it and can’t imagine their lives without it, I still feel like it’s a decision we made for them.

For his first audition, I braced for failure. I mean, what did any of us know about “drama?” I prepared a hundred different versions of “you’ll do better next time.” That would have been time better spent planning how I was going to handle living with a budding thespian, who never stops practicing his vocals.

After Steve’s death, I watched A pour himself into his role, both because he truly loves being on the stage, and because assuming his character was a brief respite from the chaos that we were living.

As I’ve watched his fellow club members and advisers show up time and time again for him over these last few months, I know how lucky he was to find his people.

And, so, I can’t think of a better way for you to spend your time than to enjoy the fruits of these talented kids’ labor (and that of a few hardworking adults, too.) Having watched this group endure the disappointment that COVID brought, the ingenious ways they found to continue pursuing their passions under restrictions, and how they have helped bring my kids through our personal tragedy just makes them that much more special.

Advance ticket sales are from noon to 3 p.m. Nov. 5 and 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 8 at the school’s auditorium. The remaining tickets will be sold at the door, one hour before the show. Starting times are 6 p.m. Nov. 10 and 7 p.m. Nov. 11 and 12.

Liz Pinkey is a contributing writer to the Times News.