Last few weeks have been a pleasant surprise for me!
Our daughter had shown no particular inclination until now towards music. She did recognise songs quickly, hummed some tunes silently while in a happy mood. And she sometimes remembered lyrics.
But I took it as a mark of her intelligence or soft skills.
Until, she took to Ukelele at school. And picked up the skills quite rapidly.
Last weekend she sang and played at a party in our community with an effusive attitude. Which again was another surprise because she hadn’t performed in front of a larger crowd earlier.
When we were talking the next day and she narrated her experience to me, it took me back to my own childhood.
As a child, I saw my uncle play a couple of traditional Indian instruments and took a liking to singing. It was my way of expressing myself musically.
I could be found singing anywhere. I became very good at remembering tunes and lyrics. Starting reluctantly at first, I also sang at school gatherings and social parties.
I then tried learning the guitar while at high school but gave it up for want of time. Singing continued sporadically. Some good streaks and then a period of hibernation.
The love for music has persisted throughout though. Increasing each year. Going beyond what I know, to discover newer forms of music and new (or rather old) artists.
However, as I reflect back, I feel that I could have done so much more but didn’t pay enough attention to the craft. A partial void in my life.
So when I heard my daughter’s experience, my heart was elated.
I could sense a pride in her voice, a feeling that she is turning into someone who appreciates music.
I didn’t tell her anything, except to encourage her and to guide her to continue learning and enjoying.
But somewhere in my mind, there’s a secret desire for her to be more regular with it. For, that will be my vicarious pleasure if I get to watch her lean into music, even as I grow older.
The Face of ME!!! 