There were some ups and downs. . .
It all started a week ago Saturday when Mark came to tune the pianos. Instead of like every other tuning I've had from Mark for the past 15 years, the pianos were sharp instead of flat. Yikes. The once-in-ten-years carpet cleaning had completely bolloxed (is that a word?) the humidity level in the house. He gave them a once over and told me to crank the humidity until Saturday and try to keep them happy.
Fast forward past the week of getting seniors ready for college auditions and sending college recommendations. No pressure there. No money or future decisions hinging on anything I have to say or teach. . .
Fast forward past the high school students who still needed a little push to finish up their pieces. . .
Go directly to Mary Lynn picking up the kids from school Friday while I was teaching emergency make-ups. Mary Ray got off the bus sick. Sore throat. Crying about missing group lessons and the nursing home. . . she sat on the sofa with Mary Lynn and a 7-up.
Then came the snow. Friday night group lessons were going smoothly, except as always I didn't allow enough time and we were hurrying to eat sandwiches and get the graduation pieces recorded. It came time to leave for the nursing home gig and Mary was sicker and Bill was not home and it was decided that the high school kids should all go with one parent instead of driving themselves. I agreed!!!! Snow and ice. . . Safety first.
As Bill jaunted in the door, home from work at last, Mary threw up. Precisely timed I might add. The piano kids had all left for the nursing home. I was all set to leave Bill to clean things up, except that one of my high school kids had parked me into my own garage stall. Sometimes things just go so far astray you can only laugh. I texted the trusty mother that we would be there as soon as possible.
Through the sleet and snow Bill dropped Calvin and I at the nursing home and took Mary on to urgent care. We should have bought stock in rapid strep culture swabs. . .
Vomit said the doctor. . . fever said the nurse. . .
Strep said the lady with the alligator purse. . .
What is it with us and strep???
He took her on to Walmart for antibiotics--where she threw up again all over the prescription counter. The kindly lady handed him a paper towel. Note to self. . . never touch ANYTHING at the doctor or pharmacy.
Meanwhile back at the nursing home things were going a little better. I washed my hands three times. . . things were a little chaotic with me being late and all the piano kids and folks waiting in their wheel chairs and walkers.
Then. . .while Kathryn played her Silent Night a hush came over the agitated and frustrated memory care patients. They all began to hum along. The Iowa All State Choir never sounded better. At that moment bringing a peace to those 50 residents made it all worth it.
Now I've written too much and I haven't even gotten to Saturday's recital. No matter how early I wake up, I'm still braiding Mary's hair as the children start to arrive for the 4:00 hour.
It was record attendance. Sixty people. Some watched the simulcast from the living room. I heard a rumor they were having quite a party down there. . . the rest of us sat upstairs and enjoyed all 21 kids playing their songs and duets and trios and last but not least, the four seniors played the O Holy Night quartet.
Eight liters of punch and dozens of cookies later. . . we cleaned up and reflected on the recital. It truly is my favorite day of the year.
Thank you Linda, for all you do to help with the reception! Thanks Bill for shoveling snow and parking cars and heaven knows what all else you did. Thanks Mary Lynn for the sandwiches we ate all weekend. Thanks Mom and Dad Kotrba for staying to help clean up. Thanks to everyone for playing and listening!
I'm so sorry it was too long. Again. But, what can I do? I want the piano kids to play the pieces they want to play. The audience was calm and patient. Next year I'll do better, or maybe I won't. I personally loved every minute. I didn't want the Brahms to end.
Through the years we all will be together
if the fates allow
hang a shining star upon the highest bough
and have yourself. . . a merry little Christmas now. . .
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