Ah, the torture of family get-togethers! I say that with a laugh for a couple of reasons: 1) I know my grandparents will be reading this, and, 2) because I could only wish for those moments for my own family.

A few of my childhood memories center around music and family celebrations. I remember, vividly, playing from memory “Fur Elise” during church one Sunday. I was mid-way through the piece when my mind went blank (I must have only been about 7 years old – – my mom would remember that detail). So I started over and when I got to the exact same spot, the notes disappeared again. I went running from the sanctuary crying and never played for church again.

I was, however, forced to play a piano duet with my dad for my great-grandparents’ wedding anniversary. Then when I was a bit older, “forced” (again, said with a chuckle because I really was honored to do it) to sing a duet for my grandparents’ wedding anniversary.

These are events to be celebrated and I truly am glad to have been a part of those.

This spoon was for my grandpa’s great-grandparents’ 50th wedding anniversary (1856-1906, Friedrich and Elizabeth). In the early 1900s, this gift was probably quite the honor, but I can’t help but wonder if any of their grandchildren sang or played the piano?

Until we walk again …