Memories made 72 years ago unfold like a paper fan, some sharp, some faded. Most likely, nothing is exactly as I remember this special evening, the first time I remember playing a piano for someone besides family or music teacher. Without even looking at the sepia photograph, I remember what I wore - a long pink eyelet dress with a slip underneath. There were ruffles where I remember wearing a pin in the shape of a tiny spoon that was enameled with roses. I look at the picture where my dark hair is parted in the middle. Normally straight as a stick, my mother valiantly tried many ways to give me fluffy curls. Instead of a wrist corsage,favored in later years, I wore flowers in my hair.
Somewhere in one of my keeping boxes lies a yellowed program announcing the recital of the students of Mrs. Lottie Dee Stephens where my name and the title of the piece I played is listed among more advanced musicians. I was 7, and had not been taking lessons long. In the years since, I have used my limited piano skills in different ways and different places, including being allowed to play the organ in the oldest Christian church in Jakarta, Indonesia, and playing the piano played by the last Queen of Hawaii. Joe gave me the wonderful gift of a baby grand piano in 1983 which has been shipped along with our household around the world. I am unable to sit down and enjoy playing currently due to my recovery from a back injury. I miss it.
I am thankful to my parents, who could ill afford my music lessons and to my mother for reminding me to practice. I am thankful I grew up in a church that helped me enjoy music and encouraged me to sing from the time I was much younger than I am in this picture. I am thankful for choirs where I have loved joining voices, and for the churches in different places where I have been allowed to help with children's choirs. I have had so much fun with toddler grandchildren, making music and marching.
Nothing makes me happier than hearing my granddaughters sing,knowing they love music, watching them on their own paths of choirs and recitals. Now, a grandson joins them. I am listening and loving it!
