April's Life Adventures

Friday, March 31, 2006

Coming Home

A lady in the area stopped by to talk to me yesterday. She was not pleasant to talk to and made me want to run back to Idaho. The conversation was about her daughter in law (who lives next door to her), giving or not giving me a ride to the area Symphony practice. As soon as anyone hears that I play the viola, they practically jump on me to join this little group that does not have one. Long story, sort of, but I will attempt to keep it short.

"So when are you going to show up to practice?" she asks in a tone that suggests that I am a misbehaving child. Never mind that I didn't want to start anything too soon because my children have been having a difficult time adjusting. I think they are ready and have been planning to start the group that night.

"I was planning to go tonight. Oh and could you give me Shelly's number? I was hoping to ask her for a ride."

"Will she have to come all the way out here to pick you up?" she asks in yet another disapproving tone to her voice. It would only be about a three mile trip to pick me up, but I suppose that she felt that was too far to make Shelly travel. I would have liked to ask Shelly herself, but decided to just drive myself after all because I didn't want to deal with it.

I must interject here that my emotional state after this visit from the woman was extremely low. I had no desire to go to practice, I was so angry that I wanted to lash out at her. I held my tongue and decided not to hold this woman's actions against the group. In fact, she has nothing to do with them! Her daughter in law is involved, and I suppose that it gives her the right to scare off potential players right?

As I walked into practice, the director said "And here is April, our new VIOLA!" and there were actually cheers! These people needed a viola so terribly that they were clapping and whooping because I was even there. I felt like Norm on the Television show "Cheers". You know how it went, he walked into the bar and everyone shouted "Norm!"

The music they are playing for this upcoming concert, is a bit below my playing level. Some of my favorites that have memories from my past assiciated with them. I sight read and played at a higher level than many of the regular players. Really, I didn't care about that... I was home. My emotions were instantly sky high. The director made no less than ten or twelve comments through the night of how it was "mana from heaven to have a violist who can play". I think my ego was stroked a little bit there...

After the rehearsal, he cornered me and asked point blank if I was willing to join the group full time. I told him that I was and he exclaimed "Bless you girl!" I may not enjoy all of the people in my area, but I can enjoy one outing a week. I plan to take full advantage. The music has brought me home again.

Posted by April_Mommy :: 7:16 AM :: 5 comments