Our livingroom is alive with the sound of music…

It is interesting, growing up as the non-musical introvert with two very accomplished pianists sisters. My older sister was the church pianist, had weekly lessons, was a member of the piano guild in Tampa, recitals, competitions…the whole nine. She is immensely talented. As a kid, I was used to the recitals and practicing and, when she started taking lessons at Clearwater Christian College, it was a huge perk to hang out at the beach across the street for an hour. I was her official page turner at church so that was fun too. It just didn’t bother me, until it started bothering other people.

“Hello, are you Cindy’s sister?”
“Yes, I’m Holly.”
“Do you play too?”
“No, I do not play.”
“Ohhhhhh”
*End of their interest in me*

At the time, I internalized it and thought that this meant I was not as important or interesting as my sister. Over time, I learned how to deflect the question by answering that “Yes, I do play…the radio!” And that helped. Humor is my go-to response when I am uncomfortable or feeling insecure because it redirects people and deflects any conversation from becoming personal.

My mom helped me by making sure that I knew that it was ok that I was more of a behind the scenes person. I remember her telling me many times that if it weren’t for the back stage support, the actors wouldn’t be able to preform. I still love that saying for the truth and comfort I find in it.

I found my stride more in singing, which I found myself being comfortable doing in groups, and in the kitchen as I learned to bake and cook. I also love kids and enjoyed babysitting, part-time nannying, and eventually, working as a teacher in a preschool.

As my younger sister grew up, she also had a deep passion for music, especially piano, and became equally as brilliant as Cindy. She is currently the pianist at our church and again, I am questioned if I play once in a while. It’s a role I am used to by this point though and I’m so proud of her and her accomplishments. It doesn’t bother me like it used to because I have found confidence in who I am as a individual. I have a new identity as “Jonah, Haven and Laelynn’s mommy” and I feel truly excellent about it.

Because neither Michael nor I play piano, we have never owned one since we have been married. It was never an issue, though I do think they are beautiful and hoped to have one sometime in the distant future.

The distant future came much faster than I anticipated when my mom texted me a couple weeks ago and said “are you interested in a piano?” Umm, YES!

Her coworker was giving away her beautiful, mid century modern, Hobart M Gable spinet piano. It was such a surprise and a huge blessing because my little Haven is obsessed with music in general but especially singing and the piano. She had even asked for a “squashed piano” (a toy keyboard) for Christmas. I had been checking on craigslist off and on for a while, hoping to find something affordable in good playing condition for her to learn on but hadn’t had any luck. We were so excited to be given one for the kiddos to learn on.

My Aunt and Uncle volunteered to help us move it to our house. I had been watching youtube tutorials about how to move a piano and heard people saying that you needed at least 4 men to move them and a special dolly and trailer and blablabla. I had even called a few movers and been quoted anywhere from $300-$400 dollar minimums to move it. It seemed like it was going to be a monumental task, but I was happy to be proven wrong. My Aunt’s father, my granddaddy, was a professional piano tuner/repairman/rebuilder and my Uncle’s father was as well. They came in with complete confidence and had the piano out and on the trailer in minutes and then quickly set up in my living room. It’s amazing what real life experience is capable of, as compared to head knowledge.

Haven has already asked Aunt Lory to be her teacher because she “doesn’t have any notes yet” and is very excited to learn. I began doing a few basics with her today and Jonah noticed and was also very interested in learning. I am thrilled to have this amazing gift and be enabled to help my kids explore music. Whether you play an instrument, sing, or just enjoy listening, music is the most beautiful language God gave us.

Although, you may find me having a less enthusiastic attitude when the hours of practicing begin… haha!