Mauri and Sherry

I miss my mother often, though she died 18 years ago. This is a good thing–not that she died but that I miss her often. It means her influence and presence in my life carried enough weight to last at least this long, and hopefully much longer. Tonight I miss her while I watch “Live from Lincoln Center,” featuring Julliard’s 100th anniversary. A 13-year-old Japanese “boy” played a stunning Rachmaninoff concerto, his fingers nimble and swift as they moved up and down the Steinway keyboard. I relish the vision of Mother watching with rapt attention every detail of his performance. Among her many talents, she was a pianist. My dad bought her a baby grand piano as a wedding gift and somehow, through thick and thin, made sure Mother always had a piano in the house. I could go on and on about her but all I really want to say is that I consider missing her a joyful thing. It allows me multiple opportunities to thank God for her. It keeps her “alive” while all the time reminding me of the influence I could be having on those who follow after me.