Untitled Document
Music and My Family
My daughter sent this message 2.1.2020:
“Was listening to Les Miserables. Just wanted to tell you I’m thinking what beautiful gifts of art and music you have given your family. Thank you. I know my kids don’t quite seem to have benefited 😂🙄🤦♂️ but they are passionate about art and music in their own way and see the world differently and beautifully Bc of the opportunities you provided. Love y’all.”
(The context of the above is that when Colm Wilkinson sang the role of Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, I took my entire family to Toronto to experience the event. The group included my soon to be daughter-in-law. Our only granddaughter at that time announced she was going to marry the “brave boy” in Les Mis. There were dozens of other musical experiences we shared.)
My wife responded to the above note:
“That is important for you to realize and say and wonderful for us to hear. I have recalled to your dad for which I will never forget, when the auditorium in San Antonio was dedicated, the operatic performances, I noticed beau leaning forward in his seat, absorbed. I thought he/they would be rolling their eyes. I was pleased. So, yes, I think your children have been impacted.”
(The auditorium reference is to the UT Health San Antonio naming of the central auditorium “The Dr and Mrs James L. Holly Auditorium.” My daughter’s children spoke at that dedication after which there was an operatic performance. The children loved it. )
My daughter responded to her mother:
“I think it often. But realized you can’t read my mind. So I said if. ❤️😎. I love that they recognize passion and talent. Like a little girl did when Pavarotti sang. They are moved by all music and appreciate art.“
(The reference to Pavarotti is to our family attending the only solo concert Pavarotti performed in Houston. After his first aria, our daughter leapt to her feet shouting with delight. We were in the second row center. Seeing Carrie, Pavarotti walked over, stood in front of Carrie and blew her a kiss. For the rest of the evening he sang to Carrie. After the concert, we went back stage. Pavarotti said to Carrie, “I see you; I kiss you!” Carrie played the piano and he sang.)
Throughout their lives, we attended ballets, symphonies, operas and solo concerts. Carrie and I attended a concert of Issac Perlman in Houston and met him after the concert.
Carolyn and I took our two oldest grandchildren to Ireland. We attend a Irish music concert Our grandson knew ever song and sang along.
We do love great music.
|