SEPTEMBER

October 30, 2024

SEPTEMBER

“September days have the warmth of summer in their briefer hours, but in their lengthening evenings a prophetic breath of autumn.” ― Rowland E. Robinson

Hello,

CLOSED DOORS

Life is everything but fair, and loves to provide with unwanted surprises. In the year 2020, the big prize was a wide world pandemic that I had to faced alone, fearful with the possibility, if survive, of losing my business. So many unanswered questions floating in the air.

Adjusting to a new way of teaching it has been intimidating to say the least, since March 2020, I've been teaching lessons online. I closed the doors of my home-studio and learned how to do it remotely. I did not have much of a choice, just like millions of people around the world. The pandemic forced humans to interact with one another, in ways, we could only had imagined.

In January of 2020, less than a month after Timothy died, I got a call from a potential student. A retired lawyer looking to learn how to play the piano. Then, two months after she signed up for lessons, the pandemic was all over us like a vicious invisible monster.

IS THIS LEGAL?

We knew the danger despite keeping all the health recommendations, but I kept and open mind when my new student declined my invitation for online lessons, so then; we proceeded to meet in person, and for that, I am deeply and truthfully indebted to her. The sanity her companionship alone brought into my life, saved me from losing my own.

At first, I have to admit, it felt like I was doing something illicit by having her over my piano studio. All the streets were empty, most businesses and all schools were closed. The account of people dying around the globe were all over the news. I was in a panic mood, everyone was living in fear of the unknown.

My new student's name was Katherine, and from the beginning it was clear to me, practice time was challenging for her. Practice time?, Under the scary circumstances we were living under, NOBODY had in mind practicing. We all were afraid of dying. Nevertheless, Katherine attended lessons and without failing, week after week, she'd showed up on time.

SOMBER YEAR

I realized, she kept plugging in to lessons, because she needed, as much as I did, human interaction. It was a difficult time for all. All governments around the world locked down entire countries, recommending isolation as much as possible, and avoiding social gatherings all together. What a somber year.

Katherine and I agreed to wear masks during the sessions, which made my teaching challenging and her learning slow, but we made the best out of it, sometimes we even laughed at ourselves, and soon, we got used to it, both, laughing at ourselves and wearing the uncomfortable mask.

Suddenly, in the beginning of 2020, I found myself alone. I did not know it then, but I needed a companion. Despite the restrictions and the danger of contracting the virus, we both were willing to go ahead with the lessons. I was so very HAPPY to see Katherine every week.

A REMARKABLE LADY

Back then, I was a whole mess, but my new student-friend kept the insanity of it all, at bay. We became closed, and for the whole time she took lessons we laughed, we talked, we cried together. Of course we made music, and shared life stories over lunch. What a remarkable lady she was.

I would like to dedicate this duet, from my notebook of pieces to play all year round, to Katherine. I do not know, what I'd have done without her companionship. Her presence felt similar to the month of September, of which, in a calendar year, it serves as a mediator preventing us from the unpleasantness of going from hot summer days, to cold winter nights in a heartbeat.

Katherine was friendly and kind to me, I did not feel completely alone thanks to her wiliness to take piano lessons. The uncertainty of the pandemic was a nightmare and she made it all bearable just by being there, and I will always remember that.

People say that honesty is the best policy, and I'd agree. But I believe, in certain circumstances, kindness takes you much farther. It can save a life. Remember to always be kind. I know I'll try, and when I play this piece, I also know, I will be thinking of Katherine.

Thank you Katherine!

Whenever you are

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