For My Dad

On By Piano girl5 Comments

Sharing some previous thoughts about my dad and his favorite music. ❤️ Missing him…

Piano girl's avatarPiano Girl

My dad loves classic country music. Growing up, we would always listen to The Grand Ole Opry on AM radio, static and all. Sometimes, it would drive me crazy but thinking about it now makes me smile.

He also had quite a collection of 8 track tapes, all country, that we would listen to in his truck. Charlie Pride, Charlie Rich, Loretta Lynn, and Conway Twitty were some of his favorites. And though I don’t currently listen much to country music, I loved listening to it back then.

That love stemmed from two things. First, it was, and still is, great music. But more importantly, it was my dad’s music. And for that reason, it will continue to influence my life.

Music has so much variety, so many genres. Each new style influenced by the previous. Whether I like them all or not, I can appreciate them for their place…

View original post 140 more words

A Perfect Day

On By Piano girl18 Comments

Clean haircut
Refreshing
Especially after
More than a week
Of laying in
A hospital bed
Pleasant drive
Past the lake
And back
Sweetheart
By his side
Drive-thru
Grilled
Chicken
Salad
Unsweet tea
Sweetly
Predictable
Quiet evening
At home
Thankful
To be there
Watching
Grand Ole Opry
On the T.V.
One of his
Favorites
Stayed awake
Past ten o’clock
Sweetly
Unusual
A perfect
Last day
This side
Of heaven
For a quiet
Man of faith
Who could not
Possibly know
The far reaches
Of his influence

I thought I heard his voice yesterday. Keep waiting for him to walk down the hallway or see him standing in the kitchen. Wishing he was sitting in his chair instead of me. I know he’s no longer here, but my heart won’t let me stop looking.

My dad worked hard his whole life. His rough hands offered proof. Health issues these past few years forced him to slow down. No more hammers, nails, lumber, or ladders. I know it was hard for him at times. But he rarely complained. Even when reminded to use his cane for balance, to wear his hearing aids, or asked where his glasses were.

There is so much to remember. So much to share. But today, I am thinking about the last day. It was a good one. ❤️

Simply Sunday

On By Piano girl11 Comments

Grief

A black cloud
Moved across
The gray
Morning sky
Circling, swirling
Changing shape
Separating
Coming back
Together
Its fluctuations
Matching
My grief-
Moving closer
I could see
It was not
A cloud
But a flock
Of birds-
They landed
On the branches
Of barren trees
Perched up high
Unwavering
Their feathers
A brief replacement
For recently
Fallen leaves
Their stillness
Giving my heart
A moment to rest
Catch my breath
Though tears
Continued to flow

My sweet dad passed away early this morning. My heart is broken. I am forever grateful that he was my dad. He had a gentle strength about him. There is so much I want to remember and reflect over. But for now, this is all I can share.

A Gift of Music

On By Piano girl7 Comments

The music store was one of my favorite places to visit as a little girl. I was so excited to browse the new piano sheet music and beg my mom for a new song. Are there any bad words? She would always ask if it was a pop song. No! I would reassure her.

I was recently gifted a stack of piano music. Thumbing through the pages took me right back to those childhood days. And each piece, familiar and unfamiliar, reminded me that music truly is a precious gift.

I recorded a couple of the songs. Enjoy! ❤️

Raindrops Keep Falling On My head

Lara’s Theme from Doctor Zhivago

Framing the Day

On By Piano girl2 Comments

Looking out
Through
The glass
That frames
My morning drive
A great expanse
Of rolling
White clouds
Dotted
With patches
Of blue
Unfolds in
Front of me
An audible breath
As sunlight graces
My periphery
Providing
Welcomed
Warmth
Blended with
The morning breeze
An indication of what’s to come
Perhaps
A singular moment of awe and peace
Absolutely

Simply Sunday

On By Piano girl6 Comments

Let Me Out

Plan in place
Appointment
Scheduled
Released
Set free
Headed
Home
Freedom
Sleep
In your
Own bed
Happy
Relieved
Thankful
One day
At a time

After more than a week in the hospital, my sweet dad was released this afternoon. They let me out! He called me from the car. Told me exactly what road they were on. Said they would be home after a quick stop at the pharmacy.

His case is complicated. So many factors. But today, we are grateful for a plan that allowed him to go home. I hope to visit very soon. ❤️

Chances Are

On By Piano girl5 Comments

You have heard
Thought not
Often enough
That what you
Do every day
Matters
Teaching little minds
Touching little hearts
Guiding little souls
Influencing the next
Generation for
The better-
But today
I want to say
It is you who matters
Your mind
Your heart
Your soul
Whether shouted
From the rooftops
Or whispered
On the breeze
My hope is that
On this day
This truth
Covers your
Every fear
Every hope
And renews
Your heart

Yesterday was my last day at school. My heart is overflowing. So many sweet notes and hugs. There remains much to reflect on after teaching these many years. Time…

I wrote this as a goodbye and an encouragement for my school friends and colleagues. Maybe someone else needs to hear the same message. ❤️

Little Things

On By Piano girl12 Comments

Tomorrow is my last day at school. My desk is covered with sweet notes and drawings. So many emotions…thoughts feel muddled before I even write them down. But I’m going to give it a try!

Yesterday, two fourth-grade boys brought me handmade Freddie and Eli puppets to take home.

This morning, a third-grade girl gave me a tiny handmade envelope. Open it! A miniature note was tucked inside. ❤️

Several friends in one class came prepared, each with carefully folded Kleenex. 😢

This afternoon, I noticed one of my first-grade students reaching for me and motioned her to come over. She gave me a hug. I told her I was going to miss her.

This student is so quiet. It occurred to me that I had never heard her speak. I would love to hear your sweet voice.

She looked up with her big brown eyes-I miss you. Talk about melting my heart. 🥰

It really is the little things.

Simply Sunday

On By Piano girl8 Comments

Choosing Thankful

So many things I take for granted.
Today, I am embracing the simple.
Thankful that the sun is shining.
Thankful that the breeze is crisp.
Thankful for the ability to talk on the phone.
Hearing my dad, You will always be my little girl.
Hearing my mom, I am ok. We will trust God to take care of us.
Dad is in the hospital in Arkansas.
Mom is there with him.
I am at home in Oklahoma.
Such is this life. And that is ok.

Rollercoasters

On By Piano girl6 Comments

Standing in line
Waiting for
The imminent
Rollercoaster
Of emotions
I can feel
A low rumble
As my seat
Approaches
Slowing down
Just enough
For me to jump in-
Change is like that
Even when good
Even when needed
Tears will flow
Goodbyes
Will be said
But connections
Are stronger
Than goodbyes
And tears
A result of
The connections

Next week is my last week at school. I have already told my students. There were some tears but also excitement for their new teacher. She will be with us all next week to create a smooth transition.

I received some sweet notes. Also, a journal and some chocolate. 😊 I know there will be more tears…myself included. But we will play, sing, and hug, lots of hugs.

There is a book I plan to read to my classes. The Invisible String by Patrice Karst. It is a beautiful reminder of the power of love and how it connects all of us. Then I will start my new adventure as they continue theirs. And even though I do not like rollercoasters, I am trusting it will be a good week. ❤️