By 9:30 this morning, I had finished off a couple of cups of Fr. Roast coffee when the doorbell rang. Opening the door, I saw the smiling face of a former student.......and now a good friend. The youngest of Dr. Bentinganan's sons, Vaughn, was standing there with his best friend....his saxophone.....and before long we were drinking more coffee and sharing stories of the past two years since we have spent any time together. He had arrived in town over the weekend after driving almost non-stop from Seattle to be here for his father's funeral tomorrow.
Vaughn and I spent about three hours talking, playing a bit of music together (even with my stiff fingers because of my broken arm last year), and discussed his Life and the events that have transpired. He has just broken up/off with is partner of four years, whom he left in Seattle. Of all of the students that I have taught to play the saxophone, Vaughn......well, he is incredible. He has always been a great player, but he has matured sooooo much with his playing.....and what a difference this makes. It was wonderful to talk, to remember his student years, and to hear about his life. He is a great young man!!!!
The 1st Lady and I spent the afternoon trying to return the living room to some sense of normalcy by moving back in some of the furniture, but re-arranging it for a fresher look. This evening we then went to the funeral home and visited with the Bentinganan family, as well as seeing many friends who are here from out of town/state for the funeral. I also saw many former students......some that I couldn't remember names to go with their faces.
Sooooo, it was a day of looking backwards and remembering the many good times that we had as teacher/students while in the fine high school band.......and it was so great because of these wonderful kids that worked soooooo long and hard to perfect their performances!!! Now they are anxious to have their children study music.........time goes quickly, doesn't it???
Life is GREAT, isn't it????.......and I hope it is great for all of you, also!!!!!
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