Lasting Impressions

Wow! Okay, so a lot has happened since my last post. Good and sad. I'll go in chronological order to be sure I cover everything. I've grouped these separate occasions together because each of them has something to do with lasting impressions. Everyone makes an impression on me. Whether it's the guy walking his dog in our neighborhood, the cashier at the store, my friend across the table, or my husband. The impressions are all different and vary, but the fact that each individual stands out to me, makes me want to do my best and be my best always. I often fail, but I hope that my lasting impression will ultimately be a positive one. One that leaves no doubt who I am, what I stand for, and that I love and appreciate each and every soul God has created.

Two Fridays back I joined Bradley on his final Soaring to the Symphony event. Four years ago, my husband came up with a brilliant plan to not only allow his students the occasion for added culture, but to also enhance their life skills. His school is within walking distance of a DART station, and with his networking skills (passed down from both of his parents), he was able to set up a wonderful evening for his young musicians at the Meyerson Symphony Center. So, for the past 5 years, with chaperones and students, we've made our way to the train station, hopped on, and enjoyed an evening of dining and instrumental entertainment. Before hand, Bradley sets up a demonstration with both the DART and one of the musicians from the Dallas Symphony {BIG THANKS to Ashley at the Meyerson for all of her assistance with the meal and tickets!!!}. His students learn appropriate dress, behavior, and safety when using public transportation. This year I had a wonderful group of girls! Holly, Kate, Kathy, Keeana, and Xitzel are beautiful young women, and I was privileged to be their orchestra 'mom' for the evening. All of the young men and women were dressed beautifully. 

I don't have a picture, but this year, after the concert, we were able to go back and shake hands with the maestro! Bradley arranged it, and several of the students looked like they were going to burst or pass out with excitement. It was adorable to see their true love and appreciation for the art of music. I am so proud of my hard-working husband, who is a HUGE reason why they love the art. It was sad to say goodbye to such a fun and beneficial tradition, but I have no doubt that this annual event has left a lasting impression on many, if not all who have attended. I am honored to have been apart of Soaring to the Symphony. Farewell Perry Eagles, and I pray that you all soar to your highest height!

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Another bittersweet moment was Bradley's end-of-the-year concert. Every moment was precious, as we knew it was our last with this talented group of students. If it wasn't emotional enough already, Bradley's assistant director, Eric, wrote an amazing piece of music in memory of his father. It is entitled Lasting Impressions, and to top it off, Eric commented that it was fitting for the evening, as Bradley has left an impression on everyone he's contacted from his colleagues to his students to the parents. So, the piece had a double meaning for the evening, and it brought most of us to tears. Bravo Eric. Bravo. It was an awesome experience for the students to have the opportunity to accompany Eric on the piano, as well as to see the beauty of music at it's full potential: an expression of the heart, soul, and mind. Several of the young ladies were sobbing to the point of not being able to see, but they all kept playing. It was extremely moving, and I will treasure the moment forever. I told Bradley that many teachers have left and moved on over the years, but not many have the majority of their students crying at the thought of their leaving. He has been gifted with one of the largest hearts I've ever had the privilege of knowing, and I feel confident that God needs his heart in Cambodia.

For the final piece, Bradley began another tradition five years ago. The last piece at the end of the year concert is a movement from Holst's Jupiter, and all alumni are invited back to play with the current varsity orchestra group. Twenty-five, that's right, 25 of his alumni returned for this piece, and 5 were bass players {Bradley's instrument of choice}. There were 8 basses total, and it sounded amazing! Out of the 25, five of the students are seniors, and we were so honored that they had the desire to be a part of this final send off for their beloved director. After the song concluded, Bradley hung his head, trying to hold back the tears. At first, the only movement was the applause from the audience {it was a packed house with standing room only}, and then the concert master, Kathy, sweetly trotted over to Bradley and wrapped her little arms around him. Then one by one, the students flooded around their teacher.

There were a lot of proud moms that night, but I feel confident, none were more proud than Bradley's. She started him on this road to becoming a musician, and what a path he has made! I am humbled by the thought that I am married to such a man, and that I have been granted the chance to be a member of the Perry Orchestra family. Thank you to all of the young men and women, to the parents, and especially to my better half for allowing me this opportunity to fly alongside each of you. Bradley, I hope and pray that I can be the wind beneath your wings.

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Packing your life up makes you reflect... a lot.

Trying to sort through what you need, what you want, and what can wait until you return has been one of the greatest challenges through all of this. Preparing my household for whatever the future holds is kind of crippling, if I allow myself to dwell too much. So, I keep moving and packing. However, every once in a while, I stop to dwell. As I was working on my office and reading corner, I came across some old photos. Precious photos.

Coming from a broken home (I mean no disrespect to my parents), one of the very few blessings is that you end up with more grandparents than the average child. I had 9; 4 grandfathers and 5 grandmothers. Because of life and distance, I am closer to some than others, but I love them all. The downside to having so many grandparents, is that you have more to lose. I was extremely blessed to avoid a personal loss until I was 23 years old. I received a call that Grandad had been taken to the hospital, and they'd found spots on his lungs. 2 weeks later, he passed away from a brain tumor. As a teenager I have many fond memories of sitting with this man in his living room, listening to the endless stories of living on a farm in Leveland. We shared laughter, stories, and old shows together. Since he was crippled, my Meme was the one who had to work to support their household, and Grandad's love for her dedication to him has always stuck with me. I got to know my Grandad in a way that I think many don't; he was my friend. In some ways he was my best friend. I can still hear him laughing at Tim Conway, and I remember the two of us watching hockey, talking and routing for our team. He'd eat his Blue Bell ice cream with bananas, and I'd soak up every tale he had to offer. I still wonder if he ever knew how much I loved him.

My next loss was that of my Grandpap. Unfortunately, I didn't get to meet him until I was 18 years old, but I am so thankful for the time I had with him. The land and homestead he built is only a part of the legacy he has left behind, and I will be forever grateful to have hugged and loved such a man.

Aside from my mother, if there were ever 2 people who left a lasting impression on me, in my young childhood, it was my Mama and Papa. They not only spoiled me, as grandparents should, but they helped instill a confidence within me that led me to be the woman I am today. I've always said that every little girl deserves to have a Papa like mine, and for some reason God blessed me with him. Every time I heard their voices, in person, over the phone, or recorded, a feeling of complete comfort and love came over me. When the call came that Papa had a brain tumor, and that hospice had been called in, I hurried down to snatch whatever time I had left. It's amazing how love makes you disregard the machines and everything surrounding the one you admire. I sat there, holding Papa's hand, making sure he knew I loved him more than I could express, and his response, "I love you too sugar. Now, go tell Mama to put some money in a bag for you. I don't need it anymore." My response, "Papa, I don't want the money. I want you." He smiled, and closed his eyes for a rest. I'm thankful that although he'll never know the vast influence he's had over my life, I was able to tell him how much I loved him. He is the reason I knew I was worth marrying someone like Bradley.

After Papa's funeral, I told Bradley I was worried about Mama. I didn't think she'd make it without Papa. A year later, her body was laid to rest. There are so many things that make me think of Mama. Home cooked meals; gas ovens; almost any 70's decor; elevator type music played in grocery stores; and the list goes on. My cousin and I used to fight over who would get to ride in the front seat of the grocery cart because we wanted to rub the soft skin on Mama's arm. Although Mama didn't play with us like Papa {he was known to get in trouble for being a big kid - one time he used a McDonald's tray to slide down the slide} she was always there to listen. I'll forever miss her smokey, southern accent.

A month after Mama passed, Grandma Rosey breathed her last. I don't have any pictures of her, but I am grateful to have had her in my life. It had been many years since we'd been a steady part of each others' lives, but I will treasure the memories.

Why? It's so easy to ask "why" when we lose a loved one. But I choose to ask why me? Why was I so blessed to have had such wonderful, loving people in my life? The only answer I can find is God. He knew I'd need these precious souls, and although I don't deserve to have had them, I'll give my thanks. Their influence, their love, is the definition of lasting impressions.