I’ve been reading Georgi Kisyov’s blog for some time now. I often find it very inspiring and it regularly triggers an emotional response for me.
Today’s essay truly struck home. I began to examine small things I still have in my possession that link me to my childhood or, looking forward, to my grandchildren
My Dad was a piano tuner, musician (piano and clarinet), and one of the kindest people to ever grace this earth. I learned so much from him, including understanding at my core that a physical disability had nothing to do with a person’s worth. Blind since childhood, Dad navigated an increasingly complex world with grace and dignity.
My Mum was another inspirational woman. A person well ahead of her time. She studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London, England, and became first a concert pianist and later a talented music teacher.
I have few souvenirs of their lives, but the well-worn tuning hammer and my mother’s ancient metronome hold a place of honour in my life – a legacy I wish I could pass on to my grandchildren.
My own legacy items will probably be of no value, emotionally or financially, to my grandchildren. I donated my beautiful Gavinies violin to the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra on the occasion of its 60th anniversary. It was first formed in 1966 and I served as its first Concert Mistress until I finished high school and went on to pursue my own education and careers. The orchestra maintains a library of “professional” instruments (i.e. higher quality than the mass produced school instruments) for use by their senior, most talented students. It pleases me that this legacy has been passed on in this way. This violin, hand made by Gavinies in France during the 1700, is a magnificent instrument with amazing tone. I miss playing it myself, but love that other hands will draw a bow across its strings making beautiful music.
Thank you #GeorgiKisyov for reminding me to stop, think and enjoy the memories.
Capturing Cherished Memories 