Music to My Ears

It's been a rough week; nothing horrible really, just some worries here and there.  A sore throat/cough I can't seem to kick, Sam home from school for two days with some elusive virus, Bob having some stress at work, my brother having his hip surgery.  And then there is the tv news.  I don't know why I watch it.  The local news is full of bullying in school, murders, and teacher layoffs.  National stories of oil-covered sea birds in the gulf, continued recession woes, anti-Obama rallies.  Serenity, now!!!  I found the perfect remedy for my weary soul...Danny's middle school band concert.  It could not have come at a better time.  Anxious to escape the house after two days spent at home with Sam watching Spongebob and narrating toy train crashes, I head out the door with Danny.  The parking lot was full when we arrived.  The students rushing to warm up on their instruments and their parents heading for the auditourium.  It was buzzing with excitement and happy chatter as I found my seat.  I leafed through the program and talked to a mom next to me about the book she was reading (any experienced band parent knows to bring a book to the concerts because that wait time before it begins is a gift!)  The concert began right on time and when the lights dimmed and the music began, I felt my eyes sting with tears.  I don't know what it is.  Maybe the music, played so beautifully.  It never fails to surprise me that kids of this age can play at this level.  Maybe their faces.  Some still awkward, growing into themselves...others more sophisticated, looking confident and at ease.  Maybe just sitting among other proud parents, knowing that our kids are growing up, slowly growing away from us, and that is how it should be.  In any case, it  makes my eyes tear up and a lump forms in my throat and I thank God for this moment, for this reality check.  I am so blessed with so much, and right then, as if on cue, I see the top of Danny's tuba sparkle under the lights.