"When's the next piano competition, mom?"

This weekend Madeline and I took an overnight trip to Ellensburg so that she could compete in a piano Sonatina competition.  It was great fun to have some special one-on-one time with my eldest, and a road trip suits us both very well.  We spent the time in the car chatting, singing, and listening to music.  We spent the time in the hotel snuggling together in the  big king-sized bed.  And we spent the morning awaiting her turn to play and the results of her performance.  Her piano teacher, Marissa, made the trip to practice with Madeline and five other students who were participating, all at various levels.  Madeline is six and was competing in Level I.  I watched this sweet child as nervousness gave way to confidence after she spent an hour practicing with Marissa.  Her eyes blazed as the music entered her heart until she finally said, "Mom, I can't wait to perform it!"


She performed for a judge behind closed doors (neither mommy nor Marissa were allowed in the room), and she walked out beaming a huge smile, very proud that the months of hard work and daily practicing had paid off.  When the results were announced, Madeline had achieved 3rd place, granting her a medal that she has worn around her neck with honor every day since.  During the 2-hour drive home that afternoon she said,  "When's the next piano competition, mom?  I loved it!  Next time I want to do even better!"  My assurances of her worth in my eyes and my insistence that it didn't matter what place she attained as long as she was proud of herself all fell on deaf ears.  She clearly set a goal for herself that day, and has been on cloud 9 at the thought of accomplishing it ever since.  This is when being a parent is such a gift ... to watch the passion swell up inside your child and encourage her to follow that dream.  It's not always as straight-forward, and I'm sure Madeline's life and passions will take a windy road, but I'm celebrating her tenacity today.  And, I am so proud.