Jun 4, 2008

Mary's first recital

If you look back on the blog, you can read about "The Happiest day in Mary's life." The reason for her happiness? She got her violin, something she had only dreamed about since she was 4. Mary has been practicing and working hard for a year and a half now.



All that practice paid off this past weekend. She performed in her very first recital! She has been looking forward to this ever since her teacher first told us about it back in February.



She played a solo piece as well as performed in a group, which she really enjoyed. It made her little violin sound big when she got to play with 25 other violinists.



When I use to play my flute in things like this, I can remember my mom being nervous as a cat. I think she truely was more nervous than I ever was. I now know the feeling! I sat there with my stomach in knots while Joel made check marks on his program next to each child who just finished performing, and my mom counting how many left until Mary. She was almost last, which just added to my nervousness. I looked over at her, thinking, surely! she must be feeling the same way. Nope. She was cool as a cucumber, just enjoying listening to the other children play. When it came time for her to take the stage, I about killed over with a heart attack. She bravely walked up there, and began playing. Mary has this cute, little way about playing. She will begin playing and not long into the song, she'll look around the room at people. Usually, it will throw her off. I made sure to tell her to concentrate on her fingering while she was playing. About half way through her violin piece, her eyes glanced up and she began looking around the room. Then, she caught Grammie's eyes. She smiled so big, while her little fingers continued playing. It was so cute, and she played it perfectly! She took a quick, awkward bow, just as her teacher had taught her to do, and off the stage she went. Joel, my mom and I all let out a sigh of relief.





Good girl, Mary! We're so proud of you! You played wonderful, but even more admirable than playing a perfect song, was your sweet testimony which sang even louder. What a precious gift you are to your Daddy and I!
We love you, Sweetheart!

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow! I still can't get over the poise, peace, and sweet spirit.

When Mary smiled at us on Saturday? I almost fell on the floor and 'LOST IT' . Good thing she had played for me ahead of time so I could get my
self-control in check. Actually, I was pretty surprised I had some of that...

I'm glassy eyed just thinking about that little girl. What a blessing she is!

Anonymous said...

Oh, my, Mary!! How I wish I could have been there to hear you play!! I am amazed at your talent. You remind me a lot of your Mommy when she was your age. You both have a very unique gift in music that comes straight from God. I love you so much!!!!

Anonymous said...

I have been so out of the "blog loop lately"! Look what I missed! What a blessing to hear all about the recital. I know just what you mean, Mom about her little dimpled smile when she plays. It melts my heart on Sundays. She is so fun to watch. Keep up the good work, Mary!

DeAnna said...

Oh how sweet she looks!! And I was so impressed at how well she played, I've been to several violin recitals for Tyler and most kids her age aren't playing songs like she played in that little video clip you sent me. I was expecting to hear a simple song, but my mouth about dropped open when I heard her playing.
God has definitely blessed her with a great talent! Can't wait to see how He uses her talents for Him!

Becky said...

Thanks, gals. :o)

Mom, you held it together pretty good. I was proud of you.

Kristine, you certainly would NOT have been invited. I've seen how well you "hold it together." Need I remind you about visiting me in the hospital and Matt's first day of kindergarten?

Trishy, Mary seems to always look for you when she's playing on Sunday cuz she knows that her aunty is proudly beaming and nodding her head with great approval.

DeAnna, thank you. Mary enjoyed reading what you had to say. She will give you a personal recital if you ever get your buns up here! Now, if that's not worth $4 a gallon of gas x 1,000 mile trip, I don't know what is! :o)

Anonymous said...

What an amazing girl our Mary is. She is such a shining and positive role model to my little Maggie.
We love you!

Becky said...

Aww, thanks Liz! Mary is dieing to see your babies! She won't believe it when she sees them walking!