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It’s nice to be in a family of musicians. I never know when an impromptu concert will start.

Lately it’s been in the mornings when Patrick, my oldest, is making breakfast before heading out for work. Usually while the coffee’s brewing or the egg’s frying, he’ll grab his acoustic and start noodling around.

The air fills with folk tunes. Some are rousing and joyful, but others like “Landslide” are poignant. As Fleetwood Mac writes,“Time makes you bolder. Even children get older. And I’m getting older too.”

That’s how I feel lately, poised between having children close and yet seeing them grow away. It’s a wistful, vulnerable time.

Patrick’s love of music started in the seventh grade with the bass guitar. He needed something that year, something to do, something to make him feel special. He was shy, but learning an instrument gave him confidence. He met other musicians. They formed bands.

Ten years later, he’s been in several groups and now in addition to bass, plays electric and acoustic guitar. My son also writes songs and albums that are rich and complex and beautiful. He plays and banters to crowds of people who come to listen. I sit in the audience glowing with pride.

Music, like any art, is a gift, a journey through life that only gets richer with age. I see now how Patrick needs music.

Last summer he spent a month in Florence and didn’t bring any musical instrument with him. A week later he bought an inexpensive acoustic in a back-alley shop near the Duomo. It now sits proudly on one of our many guitar stands throughout the house, Patrick’s favorite souvenir. I hope someday he passes it on to his grandchildren.

I love all of Patrick’s shows — from the blistering rock sessions to the acoustic songfests. But my favorite is the early morning concert.

To the smell of frying bacon and burble of the coffee maker, I’ve come to associate these times with happiness, with those moments before Patrick and I start our day, before he moves out someday to start a new life.

I’ve come to treasure these interludes and will miss them. But right now my son is here and so is his music.

I’m grateful.

 

Do have any special morning routine with a family member? Comments are always welcome and if you like, please share. Thank you.

Comments(8)

  1. I love the way kids create the times that become our favorites. Those moments can be easy to miss, but so sweet to remember and become the memories that keep us close.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Susan, That’s so true about kids creating some of the sweetest memories. So glad music will always play a big part in my family’s history

  2. I’m glad to read that your song got to travel before the pandemic started. How delightful to have musical family members! My daughter is a music major, studying trumpet and piano, but she plays the guitar and ukulele a little bit. Despite my mother’s attempts (three years of lessons) to get me to master the piano, I cannot play an instrument.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 4 years ago

      Karen, I guess being a musician is ingrained, like writing. Sounds like your daughter also has the gift of music, which from what I see, stays with a person the rest of their lives. Wonderful.

  3. My older son (10) asked me if he could get an app to learn guitar. The kids each got one for Christmas a couple years ago. I was so happy I was like “I’ll get you two!” I would be thrilled if he learned. I used to sing in a band many moons ago and may join him. I would love to hear music in the mornings as I sip my coffee.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 4 years ago

      Lauren, Sounds like you have a band in the making! Music helped both my sons. It was also something I could relate to better (than sports I’m embarrassed to say). If your kids show any inclination, that’s fantastic. It’s a lifelong gift to love music.

  4. Oh, Laurie, this made me cry! For all those sweet moments that are now relegated to the soft, misty past. We may resurrect them at future times, but only briefly. One of the sorrows of our kids growing up and moving on.
    What a blessing to have a musical son!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 3 years ago

      Diane, It is a blessing, indeed.

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