I always wanted to play a musical instrument, but had not the time nor the money to pursue lessons. When I was in my forties, we lived down the block from a piano teacher. My husband's parents had given us a spinet piano a few years back with the intention of giving our children an opportunity to learn to play. Music was a very important part of my husband's family's life. He and all of his siblings took piano lessons from the nuns at Good Counsel. Now it was our children's turn to bang out tunes; however, we opted for the convenience of our neighbor instead of hiring the nuns. The kids learned, each to a greater or lesser degree, but for quite some time our piano got used. Occasionally, my husband even entertained us with his rendition of "Tammy" or some other top 40 hit. One day I decided it was my turn. I called Mabel and asked her if she'd be willing to teach me how to play the piano. She agreed and I was on my way to fulfilling a childhood dream. Not so fast! Although I encouraged, prodded and nagged my kids to practice piano, it seems there was no one who would do that for me. Maybe my husband tried, I don't know, but since when did I ever listen to him? So there you have it. I never learned to play a musical instrument. But I have a son who is a musician and two daughters who are passing on their love of music to their own kids. Our piano is not used much any more except when the grands come over and treat us to the songs they've made up. I know lessons are in their future. It's all good.
