Today was a bittersweet day. The piano was picked up and now there is a huge empty spot in the family room and in Shannon's heart. The piano was an important object that helped define both Shannon's professional and personal lives. Shannon's relationship with a piano stretches back more than 5 decades. It was hard to see it go. But the sweet parts of the deal were its donation to a music school that helps economically disadvantaged kids find music and the making of another empty spot in a house now dominated by emptiness. Shannon felt good that the piano would be used to lead others to a love and appreciation of music in general and perhaps for some a lifelong love for piano playing.

We are now closer to leaving.  Shannon had a big hand in the decision to empty our house and go on the road. She knows she is partly responsible for the piano leaving. Selfishly for me, today provided another opportunity, which doesn't arise often, to hear her play, which she did while waiting for the movers to show up., It was almost as if she thought it would be the last time she would touch a piano. It won't be. She'll have a keyboard along on the road, and I'm hoping much music will come from our RV. Sunday was her last gig at church, and again for me, it is always a pleasant experience to hear her play even if I have to wait until she gets a call to sub at some church. I'm thankful for every chance I get to hear her.