As a talented, professional piano and organ player, she also
had a beautiful voice. She was a bit of
a savant, as she played music by ear from the time she was three years old and
could play anything she heard – and not with just one hand. Because she loved music, she continually
increased her knowledge over the years and became very professional. In 1965, after having surgery that affected
her voice, she stopped singing. I am
lucky to have a recording of a song she sang long before that happened. Her
music was such a large part of my life as I grew up and our home was full of
the sounds that inspired her. She practiced every day and always included us in
her activities; dedicating songs to us children that we were convinced were
written with us in mind.
Because she was able to do the thing she loved most, she was
a happy person, sharing and spreading her sunshine with everyone. Her life wasn’t
easy or always pleasant, but she rarely complained and mostly found her passion
in music, which she shared generously.
I have recordings of nearly every song she ever played and
someday I plan to put the music online for all to enjoy. It’s from another
time, but when played so well and with such bounteousness, the spirit shines
through to all generations.
I was blessed to have someone so giving and caring for my
mom and I miss her every day of my life.
© 2014 Linda Gatewood
No comments:
Post a Comment