March Madness: Four Years

I started taking violin lessons when I was four. When my mom tells the story it's four and a half. Because that half year is so important, you know. But whatever. The point is I have absolutely no memory of my life without the violin in it.

I am not going to go into the whole history of how the violin has impacted my life because that would be waaaaay too long of a post. It would be more like a book. All I know is that I am grateful my parents decided to put that breakable instrument in my hands at such a tender age. They gave me the gift that keeps on giving, the gift that has lasted me a lifetime. And lasting...

It makes me really wonder about how to direct (or not direct) Miles when it comes to music and sports, but again that is for another lengthy post. Excited for that one, eh? ;)

The reason I mention the violin is because it's very much on my mind tonight. I just ended a four-year run of a musical. I was a part of the orchestra, obviously. It was not a four solid years of performances, thank GOD! But it was four years of spending a good portion of December through March in rehearsals, resulting in six performances each year.

We were counting up how many times we have done the musical from start to finish and it's over 30. That doesn't include other rehearsals. The short story is that I have spent a lot of time with this music, a lot of time with the people, and a lot of energy in the performances.

I know it seems L.A.M.E. to be bummed about this four-year run being over as of today. But I am just that: A little sad. It's bittersweet for me. I think back to when I started this whole journey. I was a reluctant participant. I remember almost not going to that first rehearsal. But I'm so glad I did.

One thing that amazes me is how very, very different life was four years ago. I think that's why part of me is feeling nostalgic tonight...this musical was like a bridge from my past life to my current one. It has been a blessing in so many ways. But when I think back on it, I think I will most remember it as being a musical oasis in a time of huge change in my life. Each year when we would come back to put the musical together life was different than it was the year before. Each year is like a time-capsule of in the chronology of my life...memories that will be etched in my mind forever.