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the piano fairy

last night around 10:40 p.m.
Owen sticks an elbow in my ribs and says,
"is that the piano fairy?"

I had just fallen asleep.
but, I rubbed my eye and looked up to see a strange man in my bedroom.
older, balding, wearing a jumpsuit and a little creepy looking.

"yes, Owen, that is the piano fairy".
He went scrambling out of bed to watch and
this stranger and Shaun rolled a piano into our bedroom.

My old piano.
The one I learned to play chopsticks on.
and some song about a little Indian.
and the one your only use your knuckles to play.
and a few real recital worthy songs as well.
and practiced for hours.
or at least it felt like hours.
The one my brother and sister played.
And the one my mother could play beautifully.

Owen plopped down on the bed while they unloaded it from the dolley.
His eyes were big and wide and he asked, "We're getting a real live piano?"

I giggled and hoped he didn't think this was like getting a puppy.
"Yes, Owen a real live piano"

But it is alive.
Kind of.
It is big and brown and shiny and holds some beautiful potential inside.

I'm sure Shaun will be digging out the old sheet music for moonlight sonata.
and I will remember a few bars of fur elise.
and teach Owen chopsticks.
and even let Tess bang around to her delight.
and we will have our own "real live piano".

Thanks mom and dad.

Comments

Sarah said…
M-

this post made me a little teary. That's exactly how I felt when my parents gave me my childhood piano. And while I'm no virtuoso, and will NOT be playing in front of anyone anytime soon, I've loved having it in my home. I'm very excited for y'all!
October 27, 2009 at 2:53 PM
samskat said…
My parents have 2 pianos at the moment...my mom's childhood piano, and mine. As soon as we're somewhere permanent (i.e. not an apartment), we'll get a visit from the piano fairy too!! I can't wait. :)
October 28, 2009 at 4:54 PM
Beth (and Eric) said…
Aww, that is sweet. I love you guys. :)
October 29, 2009 at 8:12 PM
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