Our son was happily doing his own thing in the garden, he'd wander in and out – sometimes helping me in the garden …
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| Father and Son sculpture by Bruno Lucchesi |
… other times reading or playing in the house near his mother … as she enjoyed herself practising the Beethoven – she so loves …
My wife's father was a brilliant concert pianist … yet his daughter was happy being at home with her son and me … reminding herself of those recitals, she had shared with him.
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| Moonlight Sonata -Autograph score; the first page has evidently been lost |
Today – the balmy weather had allowed us to be outside … to picnic lunch in the garden, and no doubt we'd have a glorious supper later in the evening.
Our son was a quiet lad – always thoughtful … happy in his own world, yet an easy going kid with a ready smile.
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| Valley View ... |
Twilight was falling, soon dusk would arrive as the sun finally set on this beautiful clear evening … the moon would be so bright tonight …
Suddenly our son screamed out … "Dad ..., Dad …
come quickly … hurry up, hurry … Daaad …"
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| Moon rising over 'The Needles', south England |
He was at the end of garden looking out over the valley … I rushed down wondering what on earth was happening …
In the background I heard my wife playing her Moonlight Sonata … but I couldn't stay and listen … I had to find my son …
All was well - he was sooo excited … he too was listening to his mother's playing …
… yet felt he had to call me … “Dad, Dad … look there's the moon” …
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| Milky Way c/o and by John Fox, East Sussex looking at Birling Gap |
Such an appropriate ending to a fabulous family day … my son moved in to lay his head against my shoulder as I put my arm around him … then we sat very happily watching the moon come over the horizon, as his mother's Moonlight Sonata drifted down the garden …
All was well with us …
Tag Line: Allow Family Time ...
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
47 comments:
Depending on how old the lad is now, these are the sorts of very special events that remain as a warm memory for decades.
My older son was 8 when we took the family to see their first ever A.F.L football match, the top level of competition in Australia. 40 years later, he still talks about that afternoon.
So beautiful, Hilary.
Hi Grandblogmom,
Wow, what a wonderful and inspirational family story. Love how the mother’s playing brought the them together. Mother, father and son engrossed in music while the moon shines brightly. Brilliant.
My Mom played the piano beautifully. She played Moonlight Sonata with great feeling. What a happy memory. Thanks for a lovely post and a joyful memory.
Hi, Hilary,
Thank you for a heartfelt reminder to take time for our families. Such precious moments are what makes life valuable.
Shalom aleichem
Hari OM
...I swear I could hear her playing as the lads watched the sky... YAM xx
This is a truly beautiful celebration of the important things in life. Thank you.
Hilary, beautiful. Family moments to be treasured. You wove Moonlight Sonata in such a lovely way. Thank you for this touching entry.
@ Hels - yes we all have those special memories of times with our parents or children ... and your older son exemplifies this ... lovely ...
@ Carole Anne - thanks for commenting ...
@ Lenny - thank you - a gentle reverie ...
You had a very talented mother ... have you got her musical 'bug'? So pleased this has given a great memory of your mother's playing - wonderful news. As you say joyful memories...
@ Pat - thank you ... the tagline seemed appropriate for this prompt ... and as you say precious memories ...
@ Yam - so pleased you could visualise the storyline ... many thanks ...
@ EC - these odd memories of times gone by with our parents or with our children are just so important to the celebration of life - as you've expressed here ...
@ Denise - good to see you ... family moments to be treasured for sure - a special time at home with family ...
Thanks so much to you all for coming by and enjoying the tale appropriate for the prompt ...
I can absolutely assure you, Hilary, that all memories of childhood are not so idyllic. Believe me!
Hi Hilary,
Well, this was quite unexpected. I was waiting for a fabulous history lesson tying in with some of your wonderful British lore. Such a touching family story. You used the prompt wonderfully as this family bonded to such an extraordinary sight. Even after decades of "moon watching,"I am still enchanted and under its spell.
This is so beautiful and heart-warming, Hilary! Love the images <3
Well done. Even in a dysfunctional childhood, there are memories that are precious. I remember a walk with my father, I was no older than 5. We walked hand in hand through a meadow surrounded by woodland, and it was, and, still is a very precious memory. In fact, it was the very first serious attempt at writing descriptively that I made, many years ago. :)
Thank you for reminding me!
Those are the memories that last a lifetime.
How lovely!
Such a lovely family scenario and a timely reminder about what's truly important in life. Nicely done, Hilary! ☺
Warm, fuzzy, and absolutely beautiful!
Love those types of perfect memories - thanks for sharing this!
Such a beautiful story, full of love and moonlight.
@ David - I know - not everything is good ... but here's a happy family ...
@ Michael - oh I can change my writing tune occasionally! I'm just happy the prompt resonated with you ... the moon certainly draws us in.
@ Damyanti - thank you ... soft and just lovely to think about ... and thanks re the images ...
@ Renee - I can understand different times in family life - I'm so glad I brought that memory back for you ... it sounds a wonderful memory to have and to hold, at a time that was obviously very difficult.
@ Liz - thanks ... they are memories that last a life time ...
@ Anabel - so pleased you could relate and enjoy it ...
@ Debbie - many thanks - time for family is so important and so often we forget - but must make sure we don't and make that time ...
@ Jemi - delightful comment - thanks Jemi ... so pleased to read ...
@ Olga - thank you ... yes family love under the moonlight ... happy memories ...
Cheers to you all - thank you ... Hilary
I like this piece. So sweet, a family enjoying the music, the moon, and time together.
Hilary, thank you for a warm and beautiful entry... love the touch of wistfulness.
@ Mary - many thanks ... an easy read with comforting thoughts ...
@ Michelle - appreciate your comment ... a light read for the prompt ...
Cheers to you both - Hilary
I could hear the music and feel the family magic in your words. Nice comfortable story
Beautiful, Hils. Pulled me right into the story.
This sounds like an absolutely perfect family day spent together. So relaxing to read, and it left a smile on my face.
@ Joanne - many thanks ... delighted you could 'see and hear' my storyline ... great!
@ Sandra - thanks so much ... I'm delighted you felt there ...
@ Laura - thank you ... so happy you had a happy, relaxed read ...
Wonderful to read your cheerful comments - I appreciate them - Hilary
I'm guessing that is going to become an indelible feel-good memory for both Dad and son in years to come. Your post highlights the beauty and wonder of everyday moonrise and music and time spent with our dear ones. Heartwarming!
Nice portrait of a special family moment. Well done.
This seemed very real, Hilary. Based on your experience? Well, done.
An important message and a sweet story. What could have been a tense moment (the child calling for dad) was quickly turned to a positive.
A lovely tale.Well done, Hilary.
@ Nila - I'm sure it will ... I'm just so glad I've put over what I was feeling as I wrote the piece ... thank you ... delighted to read ...
@ Nick - I'm happy you enjoyed it ...
@ Lee - so pleased ... and no - sadly no children, so not that sort of memory for me ...
@ Shannon - yes ... it is an important message for each and everyone of us - and a positive one ...
@ Christopher ... many thanks ...
Great to see you all - and thank you for your comments - cheers Hilary
This is an extraordinarily ordinary moment in their lives--one they will recall with joy. You told it so gently. Thank you.
Very nice! It's sad that as adults most of us lose that childlike sense of wonder.
Hi Hilary. Sometimes the simplest family moments become our most memorable ones. Beautifully done.
-Sonia
@ JQ - thank you ... I enjoyed the write up ... a gentle tale ...
@ Charlotte - yes ... I hope we can remember our family togetherness and those lovely times together ...
@ Sonia - yes - you're so right about those simple ways of life ..
Thanks to the three of you ... happy memories - cheers Hilary
Well-chosen words, Hils.
I can't think of a better place to do your own thing than in your garden.
Oh, what a lovely and evocative scene!
@ Sandra ... thanks for both your comments ... being at home as kids was magical ... so right ...
@ Deniz - many thanks - a gentle time ... so glad it resonated ...
Cheers to you both ... Hilary
The Moonlight Sonata playing in the background. A lovely wrap up.
That is a beautiful memory. Music and kids--almost as good as dogs. Thanks for sharing that.
Such a beautiful piece.
You have described the ideal day. Slow moving and full of leisurely time with the family.
All would be well for anyone of us in the setting you describe. So lovely.
It's often the simplest things we look back on with the greatest pleasure. Often things we didn't realise were important at the time become our most treasured memories.
OH! I really like your story. It's so good!!!
Teresa
@ Sandra - thanks for your support ...
@ Jacqui - almost as good as dogs - yes most definitely ... a dog can be there too!! Thanks ... I know your love of dogs, but your kids come first!
@ Bernadette - thanks so much ...
@ Rosey - delighted ... you read it as the way I meant it to be taken ...
@ Inger - thank you ... a very English setting ...
@ Patsy - yes isn't it ... those brief moments of time when something so resonant happens, but which is so memorable ...
@ Teresa - thanks so much ... delighted you enjoyed it so much ...
Cheers to you all - thanks for your comments - Hilary
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