Give Her Another Chance


Surrounded by love: my mom, grandma, aunt, & sister


I was eavesdropping in the hallway, listening to my piano teacher tell my mom that I lacked the focus needed to advance appropriately. Having just turned seven, and showing little progress in a year's worth of lessons, she didn’t think I should continue. My teacher was kind, but firm in her reproach.


Mom was quiet, but then she said four words, “Give her another chance.”


I crept back to where I had been sitting. Our drive back home was quiet.


At bedtime, Mom came in and said that if I wanted to learn piano I would need to just keep practicing. It might not be easy—but we both knew from my school experiences that nothing I learned ever came easy.


My lessons continued, and eventually my piano teacher suggested I learn elsewhere. Even though my piano teacher gave up on me, Mom didn’t. She asked our church organist to teach me and so I kept at it. 


My mom’s words, “Give her another chance” motivated me in a way she never knew. I didn't become a great pianist, but I would sit quietly and play the songs I’d learned. And I kept playing, year after year. 




Knowing that Mom was on my side helped me not to give up. Moms are like that—they believe that we can do things before we really can.


Moms just seem to know that it’s important to give chances to those they love. I’m glad they do, because sometimes more chances are needed in life. 


Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms and to all those who love like moms—and thanks for believing in us before there ever was a reason to.

 

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