We recently had guests over, and I took the (somewhat rare, these days) opportunity to use some of our actual serving pieces (rather than serving crackers from the box and dip from the container). This particular set was a gift from one of my former (adult) piano students. She made it herself! To this day, it is one of the most unique and thoughtful gifts I have received.
As I was putting these pieces away after our gathering, a flood of emotions washed over me. My mind was taken right back to the time in life when they were given to me. I do not say this lightly; I'm not one to speak in hyperbole, often, but truly - I was feeling so many things at once and could so vividly remember that time in my life, tears of gratitude sprung to my eyes.
A time when I was teaching 50+ lessons a week and received so, so many generous gifts from my students and their families - not only during Christmastime, but also teacher appreciation week, as well as random treats, pictures, and notes throughout the year.
A time when I could not imagine not remembering all of my students' names, favorite stickers, their go-to Halloween candy, etc.
A time when my schedule was my own, my space was my own, and my laundry was (only) my own.
A time when I could stay out and sleep in late, travel on a whim, and carry nothing but phone/keys/wallet, if I so chose.
When a meal I cooked would do leftovers for a week.
When the house (coop) stayed clean for days on end.
When I did not know what was yet to come.
Presently, my season of life feels very far away from that (^) time, and yet, it was only ten years ago. Time is so strange. A blink and a lifetime, all at once.
Do I sometimes miss the freedom, spontaneity, and solitude of that season? Yes. Does that mean I do not value, appreciate, and relish in my current season? No.
Am I proud of all I used to do? Yes. Am I proud of what I do, now? Also, yes.
Do many friends and acquaintances I have met in this most recent season of life know about my past season(s)? No. I am thankful for those friends and this season, all the same? Absolutely. There is so, so much to be thankful and grateful for during this time in my life.
A time when I have the ability to continue teaching piano lessons, even if it is in small amounts, and the privilege of teaching my children.
A time when, while I struggle to remember every single student I have taught, I get to keep in touch with a handful of special former students and exchange Christmas cards with their families.
A time when not only do I get to develop relationships with my current students (and their families), but so does my family.
A time when we get to tag along on a business trip with my husband, and my son enthusiastically insists on taking a "movie night kit" gift from one of my current students, facilitating these memories:
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| We obviously haven't popped a bag of popcorn in their memory...much less in a microwave at their level. ♥ |
Nostalgically,
Kensy
Favorites of the day:
dark-chocolate drizzled kettle corn
mom dates
having the house to myself for 24+ hours
