I know this post is pre-mature by a couple weeks, but I just had a "thankful" moment. I am so thankful for my Dad. I am thankful for my Mom, too, and I should have done a post for her on Mother's Day for this to seems fair. However, Mother's Day has come and gone and I still have her Birthday, right? ;-)
When Diva woke up at 4:30am, I found myself singing songs to her to calm her down. Nothing new. She LOVES Primary Songs, especially "I Am a Child of God." Every time I sing to her, I am reminded of a conversation I had with my Dad when Sedona was only a couple weeks old. I don't remember it all, but I remember him asking me if I sang to her. I said I did and he asked if I was singing her Primary Songs. I said yes. They are the only ones I know by heart.
So what does this have to do with my Dad? Growing up, music was always a big part of our lives. We were "required" to do something with music year-round. In the summers, we took turns getting up early to practice the piano and/or ride bikes out to the "cottonwood" while Mom and Dad did their morning exercise. I strongly disliked both options, however, I would rather have gone out to the cottonwood than stay and "tickle those ivories." As I grew older, it became evident that I wasn't going to "get out of" playing the piano. No matter how hard I tried. I thought I was successful when they took me out of "formal" lessons. Then they made Taffy my piano teacher...neither of us was thrilled, I don't think. When that didn't work out, I was sure I had dodged the piano bullet. Then as a Junior I was called to be the Ward Organist!! WHAT!? I surrendered.
It has been one of the biggest blessings in my life to have been "required" to learn the piano. In the process, I learned all the Hymns and the Primary Children's Songbook. They are both dear to my heart. We sang from both songbooks often. One or the other was opened daily before and after family scripture study. I continued to use my limited piano skills as I left home and went to my various new college wards. I used it a LOT on my mission, and I occasionally use it when I go visit my husband's family in Caldwell.
Not only was I required to learn how to play the Hymns, but they supported my love of singing. I LOVED to sing...by myself, in a group, on stage, in the shower....I was always singing. Dad always loved it when Taffy would play the piano and us kids (Tami, myself, and Tyson) would gather around and sing. I loved doing it, too. I don't sing as much anymore. Perhaps it's because I don't have a piano. You couldn't pay me to sing by myself in front of anyone other than the steering wheel or for Sedona. It scares me to death now. But, I do love to sing on Sundays and sometimes in my car....when I'm alone.
This evening, Sedona came down with a random fever of 102.9. It just came out of the blue! She was miserable. I couldn't get her to take medicine (which is totally not normal) and I couldn't get her to calm down enough to fall asleep in my arms. She wouldn't go to sleep with me just lying her in her crib...I was kinda loosing my sanity. I swaddled her (I know, she's getting a little old for that) and I started singing "I am a Child of God." She calmed down almost immediately and closed her eyes. She was asleep before I was halfway through the second verse. Everything that I had learned as a kid and into my early adulthood had all been worth it. If even for only this ONE moment. It was all worth it.
The power of good music is so real. I am so thankful that my Dad remained true to his convictions for us to learn good music. It wasn't easy, I know...I gave him plenty of fits about it. I am grateful my Mom supported him and was patient as we practiced, making MANY mistakes. I know it had to be annoying to listen to! I am thankful to the writers and printers of these great songbooks I mentioned. So much work has been put into them and I am grateful I have them for my use. I am also thankful to my Heavenly Father for sending me a sweet Spirit that responds to these great songs. Sedona LOVES music. I am grateful that she even loves when I sing them!....haha....sometimes, at 4:30am, my voice sounds more like a crickety old hinge, but she still responds. I am so blessed.
Thank you, Dad. Thank you for dealing with my attitude and for paying for the lessons and for being at all the recitals and plays and theater camps....just....Thank You!
