Music played a special and sometimes complicated part of Dad’s
life. In Fergus Falls, Minnesota, Dad enjoyed playing high school football and
was good at it. However, his older sister Florence was intent on becoming a
concert pianist, so his Mother moved them to Rochester NY for Florence to
attend a music school for a year. He easily made the football team in Rochester
too, until the coach learned he’d only be there one year. This disruption in
his young life was something he spoke of often, wishing his Mother had let him
stay in Fergus Falls with his older brother Homer and their grandpa Hale for
that year. Nevertheless, he accepted it and tried to focus on the
benefits in the experience whenever it came up. Over the years, as it came up
again and again, we talked of forgiveness and what could have been.
Although Florence
did not reach the heights of fame as a concert pianist she wished for, she did
work in music her entire life as a college music professor, organist, and
teacher. Mom and Dad sang in the choir in every church they belonged to. Music
was always a part of our lives.
Our young family
didn’t have a lot of money, but my parents were inventive with what we had. One
of my favorite outings and favorite memories was driving around town singing
4-part harmony to songs like “When you wore a tulip” and other classic songs of
the day.
When Dad’s hearing
started declining, it was music that was the most difficult for him. Melodies
were distorted, and he couldn’t be sure he was singing on tune. He continued to
sing at church, but no longer as a member of the choir.
After my Mother
passed, I moved in to their home to care for him. He kept his songbooks by his
favorite chair in the family room and I’d often hear him singing songs to her
as he flipped through the pages. And, especially in the final months of his
life, if he was feeling down, I’d encourage him to play the piano. He readily agreed,
and it always lifted his spirits.
All of this being
said, today was another momentous goodbye as his beloved piano was moved out of
the house and on to wherever it will go from here. I thank God for music every
day, and know that Dad, Mom, Florence, and all the beautiful souls on the other
side are singing in harmony forevermore. Life here on Earth moves on. Goodbye
piano. I love the gift of music you gave to Dad. Thank you.
-Raphaella Vaisseau
