Piano Recital Flash Back

Mrs. Foster,
You were my piano teacher from approximately grades 1 - 7.  I don't know if you sensed this or not, but I absolutely dreaded coming to your house weekly and I completely detested piano recitals.  I was SO nervous.  Back then I was so very shy.  It was pitiful.  You'll be glad to know that I am not shy any more.  Nope, not at all.  I'm quite the social butterfly.  EXCEPT that I'm still very fearful about playing the piano in front of others.  Sorry about that.  I know that you hoped that I'd get over that fear, but it's still alive and thriving. 

This afternoon I found the recital pieces from 4th and 5th grade.  I pretty easily mastered the 4th grade piece this afternoon, but, jeepers!  That 5th grade piece wore my tail out.  I butchered it!  How in the world did you get me to learn such a difficult piece?  It's brutal.  I must have had long fingers back in the 5th grade because today I needed every inch of width my hands could provide.  When I finished playing the 5th grade recital piece, I sat there and was amazed that shy little Joy Moore actually played that in front of an auditorium full of people.  And I do remember how nervous I was every single year.  Unlike sister Jane:  she didn't practice very often, she was never nervous at recitals, and she never missed a note.  I was jealous, for sure. I was just a wreck the entire week prior to recitals. 

I do thank you, Mrs. Foster, for teaching me to play the piano.   I never enjoyed the theory lessons at all.  I never enjoyed coming to your house.  I NEVER enjoyed recitals.  But I did enjoy practicing and I thoroughly enjoy playing my Momma's piano every chance I get.  It's a real stress reliever. 

I'm sure you are enjoying Heaven and I know that you are playing the piano and the organ for the Heavenly Angels' choir.  I just wanted to say thanks.

Joy Moore (Rucker)

ps.  Thanks for playing at my wedding.  And thanks for giving in to my requests for non-traditional wedding music. I knew it went against your grain as an organist, but you did it for me.  And I thank you. Almost 40 years too late, but I do thank you!