As autumn has unfolded, I have thought frequently of Pilar. She stayed with us recently, for The Twelve Days of Music. Pilar is gorgeous, inside and out. Today is her birthday.
On Sunday, our choir director asked us to sing as if we were opera singers. I knew what he meant because, while she was here, Pilar accompanied opera star Soledad at a house concert in our home. Their joint visit was nothing short of magical and not unlike big international traveling for all of us. Pianist Pilar from Paris and Soprano Soledad from Santiago swept us off our feet day after day. Our century-old piano sang. And I sang on Sunday, remembering them.
Since retiring I have struggled off and on with a sense of purpose. I pace myself as friends and family age around me, wondering how I will possibly have energy to continue living and loving fully.
And then those dozen days landed relatively gently around me. Our kids, Clarke and Carolina, arrived to help. Super agent man César traveled along too. These three C’s were stellar stage and kitchen family. Mom was delighted to join in the lunch rehearsal. My sole job was to welcome and enjoy, and introduce my friends to each other. This is Bridging. This is my life’s work.
*Photo by Soledad Mayorga Maldonado
Always Bridging 