I Thank God For Them

Married? Yes - one of the best of husbands - a nice home, and two dear children. I thank God for them when I look at them. But I don’t want any more until these are old enough to take care of them. - Frances, February 1892

As I’ve been adjusting to my own major life change, I’ve been thinking about not only Annette’s story, but Frances’ as well. For starters, I have been brainstorming baby names by digging through decades of family names. For those of you who know Frances’ full name, there may be a clue there. =)

Also, as Valentines Day came and went, I took a moment to celebrate Frances’ birthday! You may remember that we aren’t really sure when Frances was born. At some point, she changed her birthday to February 14 - Valentine’s Day - so everyone would remember the date!

In this entry, Frances reflects on the passing of another birthday. She was a young 22-year-old, married with two children. She would go on to have 3 more children, losing one daughter at just 6 months of age, but at this moment in time, she admits that she doesn’t want to have any more children for a while. Even with her household help, she wasn’t sure she was ready for more children. This entry reminded me of Annette’s second pregnancy. She wasn’t sure she was ready.

I must admit that I feel that way at times. I am much older than both Frances and Annette, but I still have moments when I don’t feel ready at all! I am fortunate to have so many resources available - resources that were non-existent for my ancestors. I hope I can stay present and take things one day at a time. When everything in your world changes, sometimes that is the best way forward!

Time To Have Fun With It

Rehearsal went well.  Played on my backup reed, but it still sounded ok.  Need to work on a few spots tomorrow during warmup, and that'll be fine.  It's so so exciting.  I can't wait to play tomorrow.  In my pretty dress & my pretty shoes.  I am ready for this.  I have worked so hard and it's time to have fun with it.  My solo.  Yay!  - Miranda, October 2007

I remember that feeling.  After just a few years of living in Atlanta, I was asked to play the Mozart Concerto for Clarinet with a regional orchestra.  It was a little orchestra (and doesn't exist anymore), but I didn't care.  I had worked on that piece for years and had never played it with an orchestra before.  A big milestone.  And I still have the dress I wore.  I love that dress.  I felt confident and professional - not always the case, unfortunately.  At 26 years old, I was supporting myself as a professional classical musician in Atlanta.  How could I be anything but excited??