mindfirerunner

Today I saw a man about a guitar. Sounds strange, I know. I used to have a guitar years ago but sold it when I got married, had kids, etc. I thought I’d never have time to play it and rather than it just taking up more space I’d let someone else get some use out of it. This winter seems harder than most, and I’ve just been struggling to keep my sanity and get out of the rut of the normal routine of life. As a result, I’ve started yet another blog www.chateauderouge.com which is specific to cooking and food (yet another passion of mine). As I was blogging away and listening to music one night, I thought about how much I missed playing music. I started playing the violin at age 4, taught myself how to play the piano, then picked up the guitar, cello, bass ~ most of the “normal” stringed instruments, but I haven’t played anything for longer than I can remember. After looking around and getting feedback from various people I came across a unique instrument. A guy was selling a 1980 Martin, one of the brands recommended to me.

Our week has been a tough week. Our son lost a very close friend and our hearts have been torn wide open. My son impresses the hell out of me though. He retreated for a while, but has emerged through creative outlets, finding ways to cope with his loss. He is a very tender-hearted young man, only 12 years old, but he has something many of us lack; the ability to pick up the pieces and move on. He is finding avenues to express his grief in ways I could have never imagined. Music has always held a spot in his world, and meeting a genuine angel today could not have happened at a better time. It’s one of those times where someone steps into your life just briefly, but leaves such a huge footprint.

I was finally able to meet the owner of the guitar this afternoon. We talked about where he and his wife were from, the fact that he was running his first triathlon this Spring, the same marathons we’d run, and the places we were heading in life. Then, he started talking about the guitar. It was his first guitar, given to him in 1980 by his parents. The instrument itself is not only unique and beautiful, but the sound is crisp, clear, and full of life. He wanted to make certain that it was going to someone who was going to take good care of it. We talked about my son and what he was going through, and that this guitar was for our entire family. I told him about upcoming camping adventures and that we wanted something that sounded sweet and mellow, yet was solid and good for the ride.

It was a five minute conversation that will leave a lasting impression on my life. He was my angel this week. His words of kindness, encouragement and life picked me up and brought my head above surface just long enough.

Today I saw a man about a guitar.