My mother smiled indulgently when I polished up my trumpet and travelled with my university’s Varsity Band to football games in other cities where we marched through the streets, wearing handsome caps and long capes in the school colours, blue and white.
What a lovely, moving tribute to your mom and all she gave you, Peter. And so touching that you were able to give back to her in return. You describe her so vividly.
Peter: What sensitivity you bring to describing mom and her deep connection to music; and what tenderness you brought to taking care of her in her old age.
I enjoyed but felt like I was standing outside a restaurant window on a cold blustery day looking inside at people enjoying a good, warm meal. Didn't have that kind of relationship with my mother and my father killed in traffic accident when eight. Nevertheless, I can still feel the warmth and love of your relationship. Thank you for sharing as Beethoven--especially his Ode to Joy--always helps elevate my moods.
This is satin smooth and... sublime. I'm going to use the word frequently and also bookmark this essay because I just love the refined elegance of the dear woman, your mother. How inspirational she seems.
Beautiful, Peter. I have to admit, I envy that closeness you had with your mum and your classical education. Mine was all about hollyweird, and it doesn't compare.
What a lovely tribute of your mum that is, too. No doubt the music is what kept her alive 'till 105, and her ability to share it with you!
Thank you for evoking my own memories of music -Beethoven, Chopin, Bill Evans, Tord Gustavsen, hymn, "In The Garden", my son's composition "On My Way". Music is a balm.
Wonderful, heartfelt memories, Peter. Beautifully written. I'm sure if she was with us today, she would find words other than "crude" and "ordinary" to describe Mr. Trump. Hugh
Lovely thoughts and memories, Peter. Moving to connect through a love of music to you and your mom whom I met first. I especially like the Claudio Arrau mention - probably the first great classical pianist I ever heard play live.
What a lovely, moving tribute to your mom and all she gave you, Peter. And so touching that you were able to give back to her in return. You describe her so vividly.
Peter: What sensitivity you bring to describing mom and her deep connection to music; and what tenderness you brought to taking care of her in her old age.
Lucky mother, lucky son!
And lucky sister! :-)
This was so lovely and evocative. Perfect use of dialogue. You brought your mom to life with your words.
I enjoyed but felt like I was standing outside a restaurant window on a cold blustery day looking inside at people enjoying a good, warm meal. Didn't have that kind of relationship with my mother and my father killed in traffic accident when eight. Nevertheless, I can still feel the warmth and love of your relationship. Thank you for sharing as Beethoven--especially his Ode to Joy--always helps elevate my moods.
Beyond lovely.
Exquisitely beautiful.
It’s been awhile since I so felt something I’d read.
This is satin smooth and... sublime. I'm going to use the word frequently and also bookmark this essay because I just love the refined elegance of the dear woman, your mother. How inspirational she seems.
Thank you for this - a lovely read.
Just beautiful! Your writing captures your very essence.
You're very kind, thank you Sandi!
I knew your mother and heard her play the piano. This narrative is exquisite as was her playing.
This is exquisite - brought tears to my eyes. For me, it's Bach that makes me glad to be alive. But Beethoven's not bad either. Thank you!
Thank you Beth for your lovely comment. Bach does that for me, too!
Lovely memories…..what a beautiful story, so well written. Thanks Peter
Thank you Lisa, I'm happy that you responded to it.
Beautiful, Peter. I have to admit, I envy that closeness you had with your mum and your classical education. Mine was all about hollyweird, and it doesn't compare.
What a lovely tribute of your mum that is, too. No doubt the music is what kept her alive 'till 105, and her ability to share it with you!
I think you're absolutely right that music can sustain us.
By the way, the "Hollyweird" stories must be fascinating in themselves!
Interesting, if you like that kind of thing, but not the soul-food that a musical education must have been!
How wonderful that you had your mother for such a long and full lifetime, Peter. This is a beautiful tribute to her and to the power of music.
Thank you for your comment, I'm happy that you responded to the story.
By the way, my mother was a sensitive Jewish grandmother, too.
Thank you for evoking my own memories of music -Beethoven, Chopin, Bill Evans, Tord Gustavsen, hymn, "In The Garden", my son's composition "On My Way". Music is a balm.
Thanks for this, Sandra. I'm glad this piece spoke to you and brought back your own fine memories.
Wonderful, heartfelt memories, Peter. Beautifully written. I'm sure if she was with us today, she would find words other than "crude" and "ordinary" to describe Mr. Trump. Hugh
Thanks very much for your comment. I'm glad you responded to this piece.
Yes, she was certainly a lover of words; it's a shame we can't hear which ones she might choose to describe that man.
Truly beautiful memories - and beautifully written. Thank you for sharing your eloquence and feelings with us....
Thank you Mary for your kind words. I'm happy that you responded to this piece.
It's actually an abridged version of a longer piece that was published in an anthology last year.
Lovely thoughts and memories, Peter. Moving to connect through a love of music to you and your mom whom I met first. I especially like the Claudio Arrau mention - probably the first great classical pianist I ever heard play live.
Thank you, May. I'm glad you were moved in reading this story, as was I, in writing it.