Everyone Needs a Little Music in Their Life

My thoughts have run a bit deeper this week. Partly because of books I have been reading. (I always feel like I am a part of the stories. A piece of me stays with them and fights their battles and sympathizes with their plight.) But mostly I've been thinking about death and life. Loss and remembrance.

I had a few friends in my college French class. There was a boy in our class named Andrew. He was such a nice guy. Very cute too. But his heart was already taken since he was 14. He married his high school sweetheart the same year I married Tyler. I would say our lives have been similar right up until the point where Andrew's wife contracted Bacterial Meningitis and passed away last week, very suddenly.

Death does not shake my testimony of the gospel. I know we will see our loved ones again. The scriptures say the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ, and I believe that, but it doesn't take away the dull ache left here in mortality. It is still hard to lose people, or hear of others losing their loved ones.

I always struggle when a mother is taken. I didn't know Andrew's wife. I went to the funeral and she sounded amazing. She had five kids (like me). She homeschooled (unlike me). Surely her work was not finished. It is not my place to say. I believe she will have an even greater work on the other side and her guidance and protection of her children will continue from beyond the veil. But it makes me feel vulnerable. I tell myself that I still have a lot to do here, but I don't know.

We should enjoy each day. We should find the good and be kind. Maybe hug our kids a little longer and tighter. Appreciate what we can, while we can.

Today I was practicing piano with Pearl. She is the newest addition to piano lessons. She is already not thrilled. Piano practice can be tricky and frustrating. I think it is good for her to struggle with something. It made me happy that all my kids have some musical training. I doubt any of them will go on to become concert pianists, but I sure hope that music is a part of their lives.

We had a recital recently. We don't have them often because Becca only teaches my kids. But it was still fun to see them dress up and play for us.

Robyn plays very well now. She creates her own music and arrangements. We still are working on her rhythm, but I imagine a lot of that will come when she takes percussion next year.

June is still taking piano lessons, although her true musical heart resides with the violin. I'm sure bother instruments compliment each other as she learns.

Daisy is doing well. I admit that she often falls through the cracks. She seems to do well at whatever she tries, so I don't worry about her too much. It was very fun to listen to her play.

Ivory continues to plug away. Sometimes I have no idea who is playing piano in the other room and I'll be surprised to find Ivory. She is doing a good job learning piano. I wonder if she will want to play another instrument in the future.

Here is a picture of all the girls with their instructor. Pearl did not participate in the recital. She started lessons the week after.

A bonus was that Becca's kids also participated in the recital. (They take lessons from their grandma.) Ashley is also taking voice lessons. She did such a cute job singing Castle on a Cloud and Dites Moi. She really has a great voice. I'm sorry I didn't get a picture, but you can see her cute blonde hair as she sits on the side here.

I think music is something that makes life just a little sweeter. Whether singing in the shower or rocking out in the car, it builds memories and cements shared experiences. Today I'm appreciating music and I'm glad that I am making my kids take part in its wonders. I'm sure they'll thank me later.