Music..

For as far back as I can remember I have always wanted to play the piano... and be a figure skater. That obliviously didn't happen!

 
We had a bookcase in the family room and when I was about 4 or 5 years old, I would pull my little rocking chair up to lower shelf and pretend I was playing the piano. Money was always a little tight around our house and not because my Dad didn't work hard, he just had a lot of mouths to feed. I didn't think my dream of having a piano and taking lessons would ever come true.

My sweet Grandma Ames knew of my desire and when I was about 10 years old she bought me a beautiful upright piano.

My Dad told me he had to go to town and he needed all my brothers to go with him. I didn't think much of it, he often needed their help with something. I still vividly remember seeing Dad's pickup in the yard with the piano in the back. It was so heavy it took all of them to move it in the house. The next hurdle was finding someone to give me lessons... for free. My Mom told the preacher's wife at our church that she was looking for someone to teach me. It just so happened Mrs. Kaechele was an accomplished pianist, she had a degree from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Canada. She offered to teach me and I was so thrilled. I practiced everyday even when my brothers would beg me to stop! Mrs. Kaechele moved away a few months later so I was on my own but I continued to practice. I'm very average but I have a great appreciation for music and it brings me a lot of joy. I can play the hymns and children's primary songs well enough to get by.

I was so happy when I got a call a few months ago to play the piano for Sunday School at the Developmental Center. (The Utah State Developmental Center is a state operated Intermediate Care Facility for people with Intellectual Disabilities). I love serving with Sue, who is the chorister. It's a unique experience because all the class members are in wheelchairs and most of them can't talk but they make a joyful noise. You can tell they love music, it's great therapy. One woman named Linda can sing all the songs and it brings tears to my eyes when I hear her.

We all love music in our family. Tim can play the trumpet, guitar and piano. And he has a good singing voice. Chris can play the piano and the trumpet. He was in several musicals in high school. Mark can play the guitar and a few songs on the piano. 

Mark plays the guitar and sings with Cash, it's really sweet. Sometimes Cash dances too! Tiffani has a beautiful singing voice and has taught Cash a lot of songs. 

Cash will often go play a song on the piano at Grandma's house! I know Colby will also love music! 

Grandma Ames could play the piano by ear. She would hear a song and then without any music go to the piano and play it beautifully. I hope my Grandma knew how grateful I was that she gave me a piano and for making a little girl's dream come true.