Piano Excursion

One of the reasons I love long drives is the time to think.

Because the drive home to Nashville from Mom’s takes us on many of the same roads I traveled in college years, I indulged in many college memories today.

In college I worshipped at First Presbyterian. Best Friend Saffie attended there, so I tagged along, and it was so welcoming I stayed.

I taught Sunday School, played in the bell choir, and for a memorable week, house sat for the Associate Minister’s ferrets.

One of my favorite memories from my Sundays there was listening to Melissa Rose play the piano.

(Oh. My. GOSH!! In an attempt to ensure my memory wasn’t totally made up about her name, I just googled Melissa Rose! She’s here at Vanderbilt! New friend potential!!)

Much as the music at UUCF always brought so much depth to the service, Melissa Rose’s talent created so much joy during our church services. In almost every hymn, she could make it through two verses before the power and passion of playing would overtake her and she’d take off on a soaring, seemingly improvised piano solo for a few minutes. We’d bask in this impromptu concert, then she’d remember we were there and lead us back into the third and fourth verses.

I can remember telling my parents when they went to church with me on Parents’ Weekends, and then later when Buds joined my life, “Just hang on and enjoy the beauty of her playing. She’s a master, and she’ll bring it all back around when she’s ready.”

Such joy and power she brought. No dirges there.

We all felt like we could sing with the angels with Melissa Rose leading us.

I’ve realized it is impossible to think of her as “Melissa.” It’s got to be Melissa Rose. 🌹🥀