The music lives forever

My Nana wasn’t a famous musician. She didn’t perform in front of a crowd. Her works were never published…in fact, she never wrote one song. She wasn’t acknowledged in music periodicals or mentioned in entertainment news. My Nana’s music has reached many, none the less, and will live on indefinitely. It will spread like wild flowers and make this world a more beautiful place.  How can this be?

I never learned who Nana’s music teacher was, but as a young girl I would love to watch her sit at the piano surrounded by my grandfather, my father and uncles – all strumming guitars. She would come from the kitchen between jobs to play a tune or two, clad in an apron,  as she prepared a meal for our large family. Watching her play was always a treat.

There were 9 children and many grandchildren that came before me. Most of them played the piano or guitar and everyone sang.  Family functions at Nana’s were always full of music. She looked forward to hearing her husband, children and grandchildren play and the noise never bothered her….even with 5 guitars and the piano, sometimes trumpet, banjo and drums going…she still always would ask to hear another song.  Most often you would catch her tapping her foot to the beat, hands clasped in excitement, or dancing with one of the younger children and smiling all the while.

For me personally, my Nana was an inspiration. She gave me courage to share my gifts with others. She believed God’s gifts were meant to be used for the benefit of those around us and encouraged me to carry on even after a rough performance or a difficult exam. She never missed a recital or play or dance if she was physically able to attend. She never missed a chance to say she was proud and because of that her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren share their music and with it, Nana’s love.

With Nana’s encouragement, I began teaching lessons in her living room. She would listen though the closed door and when I was finished teaching there was always a plate of cookies and a pot of tea waiting. We would visit and Nana would ask about the children. She would always notice if their pieces had improved and she could always pick out the natural talent. That was over 17 years ago and since then there have been hundreds of students to whom I credit Nana’s encourgement and support. Some of those students have gone on to perform or teach. Each one sharing their music with countless others.

Marie Louise Harvey Sweeney Gelinas, my Nana, left us last Friday. She was 92. My cousins and I sang her to heaven. I wonder if she knows just how many lives her love of music has touched through her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. I wonder if she realizes the musical legacy she left behind. A musical legacy to be enjoyed for generations to come. She may have had to leave us, but the music she shared will live forever. Rest in peace sweet Nana.