Day Four

Coming home from work, I was clear about the content of today’s blog. It was a powerful learning day. About 9:00 pm, though, my blog idea was turned upside down. Tonight was a magical moment.

As you know, I am learning to play the piano. Consciously I was clear about why I was doing it. It is a part of who I am. It is something that I wanted to do for years. I am going to incorporate it into my speaking. All of those were good reasons, but the magic happened tonight.

I haven’t played in about a week, due to a very busy schedule. We finished supper and Chase, my youngest son (17) brought his violin into the kitchen. We talked for a second and then he asked, “You playing the piano tonight?”

I haven’t learned much in my 56 years, but I have learned when a son is asking for time.

“As long as I am playing with you,” I responded. I am not very good at this point, but I can play with both hands if the song is simple. We started with Mozart. He was standing over my right shoulder. It took a few tries, but then it clicked. We were making music together – and then harmony.

I was sitting at the keyboard when it hit me. For years Chase has been trying to find something for us to do together. We tried building a dune buggy. I bought a 76 VW Beatle and we striped in down. That is as far as we got. Drew, his older brother, took the metal to the salvage yard and sold it when the price was high. The chasse sits at a cousin’s house. The motor is still in the shop.

At the piano, though, we found it. We found that something that brought us together. Between my keys and his strings we touched in a way that only a parent can understand. It was a good day.