I spent Friday evening with the Genovese family. Stacy, the mom, is my student. She comes in for lessons on Monday nights, and I always look forward to her lesson because we always have fun.
She came to me November 2003 with no experience in piano playing, and now, 1 1/2 years later, she's playing Bach's Minuet in G. She's made it a point to practise as much as can with taking care of a family. She's got 2 little girls, Jessica and Julia, who come for lessons with her sometimes when her husband, Rich, is out of town. The come into class with books and puzzles and blankies and coloring stuff, and the girls entertain themselves pretty good! Once in a while we'll hear, mommy, mommy! But's it's always a pleasure to have all of them. Once Rich came into her lesson to listen to her play, and I think he was pretty impressed!
Stacy and I get along really well. Maybe because we are so close in age. We chat alot during her lesson, and I tell her a lot of stuff that goes on in my life, mainly because I know she would listen and not criticize. And she cheers me on when things are down in my life. She's an all round wonderful person. Oh, and get this, she brings me dinner! She says she feels bad for me because I get done so late, so she prepares a plate of food for me. It's really nice of her.
Back to Friday night. She invited me to have dinner with her and her family, and I was really excited to go. Apparently her girls were just as excited that I was coming as I was excited about going, because they helped clean up the house, and reorganize their things, and Julia, the younger girl even drew me a picture. I told her I will keep it in my bag so everytime I see it I will remember she drew it for me. They have a beautiful home. They decorated it very prettily. Something I would do for my own house. And they also have a beautiful view of the city because their house is on a hill. I had a great time at dinner with them. Rich had to leave for his baseball game, and so Stacy and I had a good time chatting. Jessica was in bed by about 8 pm, but Julia fought sleep till almost 10 pm. I bet she slept good that night! As I'm writing this, I realize how much I've learnt about parenting by talking to her. She's really a good mom, a very practical and grounded mom, who imparts really good values and help her girls form good habits. She's not afraid to do the unconventional. One story sticks out. Jessica had problems remembering what sound the letter E makes. Finally one night, Stacy dangles an egg on top of Jessica's head, and asks her, what sound does an E make? And when Jessical couldnt answer, Stacy dropped the egg on Jessica's head. She's remembered it ever since. What a fun way to learn!
Rich got posted back to Texas for his work, and so Stacy is leaving me. They want to be there before Jessica starts school in the fall. It took me by surprise that I got so close to Stacy in such a short amount of time because while driving home that night, I started tearing up. I will miss her, and the chats we've had. I will also miss teaching her because she's a very easy student to teach. (though her rhythm needs work. :D) As a teacher I dont want to admit I have favorites, but Stacy comes pretty close. I'm also so very proud of her, for what she's achieved in such a short time.
She said something that night. She said people come and go in your lives, and that's what makes it so interesting. Yes, people leave footprints in your life as they come and go, but Stacy, some people, some people make permanent impressions. Those are the people you dont ever forget. And you're one of them.
I will miss you very much. Monday nights will never be the same without your lesson. Good luck and God bless as you start your new lives in Texas. Your family's gain is our loss here. Take care, my friend.