My kids, in their mid-30s now, shared your post and the Bainbridge Island Review obit with me and their mother. Your mother really impacted them in a big way as a teacher at Wilkes. I could tell what a genuine, engaged person and teacher she was from my few interactions. And she got you to perform at Wilkes! That was so neat, and you were such a sport for doing that. You too made your mark on my kids. I am sorry for your loss but happy for you that you got to share with your mother what a "good time" you had together.
Your mom was my music/choir teacher at both Wilkes and Rolling Bay Presbyterian. I learned to love and appreciate music from her. Four of us formed a quartet within the choir called the Drogeans in her honor that made her laugh but she gave us solos. About 15 years ago, me and my family paid a visit to your mom and dad on Bainbridge. She loved seeing me w wife and kids (she had met my wife to be at church once and gave me a huge endorsement to that girl friend; something I’ll never forget). Both your parents were very gracious and loving. Your mom’s teaching of Peter and the Wolf is how I learned to distinguish instruments in symphonies. Sorry for your loss. Her greatness will live on in all who knew her and were blessed by her teaching.
Hi Joe- Thank you so much for this note. I love hearing all that. I know that she made a big impact on her students—I'm one of them! She was my 5th grade music teacher! And my choir director at Rolling Bay. It is especially nice to hear accounts like this one now, reminding us of the positive impact she made with her work as a teacher.
I greatly enjoyed the verbal sparring with your Mom at Liberty Shores and Clearbrook Inn. We all have fond memories of her playing piano with you turning pages and keeping her on track at the piano. Wonderful times indeed.
Hi Mike! Elaine and I were just talking about Mom's days with The Four Star Singers! That was a blast. And I came across a video on my phone of her playing "She'll be Comin' 'Round the Mountain" with you all where she played the 'Rooster' verse in a minor key. Hilarious! I hope you are well.
I am doing well. Turning 80 in September. We are still doing sing-alongs at Liberty Shores and Brookdale in Poulsbo. I'm pleased to see you and Elaine doing some gigs.
What a beautiful tribute, Pete. May memories of your Mom be a comfort and a blessing to you, and to all who loved her. Sending a wide expanse of love your way.
So sorry to hear this news. I just watched the video the other day and thought how lucky all three of you were; they look like cool parents and so much fun. My "uncle-dad" is now in a care home and the family is dealing with the same thing. It's so difficult. He remembers our names, just not *who* we are.
You and your family made her last days here so comfortable and special. That is as perfect a send off as anyone could ever wish for! (star eyes)
(Where are the emojis I've become so dependent on to express my feelings?!)
That story is one heck of a tearjerker and I have to go cry now...But! I do believe our spirits live on once our bodies give up. All of that energy and love doesn't just go away. I believe our loved ones are more alive than they *ever* were here; because we are all spiritual beings having a human experience. (Just overheard that on TV the other day and thought "Yeah...yeah, that's true.")
And I believe it is true. So I *do* believe that your mom and dad can and will reunite and that we will *all* be reunited with our loved ones again someday...Somehow!
(Hmmmm emoji with the monacle)
Personally, a *tiny* part of me is excited to see what it's all about when it's my time...
Thank you, Lea. The best advice I received for being with Mom as her dementia progressed was to "meet her where she is." That served me well. I wish you the best with your 'uncle-dad. Thanks for the rest of your note.
My kids, in their mid-30s now, shared your post and the Bainbridge Island Review obit with me and their mother. Your mother really impacted them in a big way as a teacher at Wilkes. I could tell what a genuine, engaged person and teacher she was from my few interactions. And she got you to perform at Wilkes! That was so neat, and you were such a sport for doing that. You too made your mark on my kids. I am sorry for your loss but happy for you that you got to share with your mother what a "good time" you had together.
-Rob Crichton
Your mom was my music/choir teacher at both Wilkes and Rolling Bay Presbyterian. I learned to love and appreciate music from her. Four of us formed a quartet within the choir called the Drogeans in her honor that made her laugh but she gave us solos. About 15 years ago, me and my family paid a visit to your mom and dad on Bainbridge. She loved seeing me w wife and kids (she had met my wife to be at church once and gave me a huge endorsement to that girl friend; something I’ll never forget). Both your parents were very gracious and loving. Your mom’s teaching of Peter and the Wolf is how I learned to distinguish instruments in symphonies. Sorry for your loss. Her greatness will live on in all who knew her and were blessed by her teaching.
Hi Joe- Thank you so much for this note. I love hearing all that. I know that she made a big impact on her students—I'm one of them! She was my 5th grade music teacher! And my choir director at Rolling Bay. It is especially nice to hear accounts like this one now, reminding us of the positive impact she made with her work as a teacher.
"The Drogeans"... I LOVE that! Take care, Pete
I greatly enjoyed the verbal sparring with your Mom at Liberty Shores and Clearbrook Inn. We all have fond memories of her playing piano with you turning pages and keeping her on track at the piano. Wonderful times indeed.
Hi Mike! Elaine and I were just talking about Mom's days with The Four Star Singers! That was a blast. And I came across a video on my phone of her playing "She'll be Comin' 'Round the Mountain" with you all where she played the 'Rooster' verse in a minor key. Hilarious! I hope you are well.
I am doing well. Turning 80 in September. We are still doing sing-alongs at Liberty Shores and Brookdale in Poulsbo. I'm pleased to see you and Elaine doing some gigs.
Glad to hear you are still doing the sing-alongs. Thanks... it feels great to be out gigging again. Take care.
Real sorry to hear about Jan, Pete. She was a special lady. Sending condolences to you and the family.
Thank you, Brad. Special, indeed.
So sorry Pete.
Thanks, Jerry. In other news, I met Janice at McCabe's! If possible, could you ask them to send me a copy of the picture of us together?
Om mani padme hum ☮️❤️🕉 may you meet again. 🙏🦋
Thanks, Jeaneen.
RIP JD
Thanks.
So happy you were able to spend those moments by her bedside, and that she heard the song.
Thank you, John. I'm happy she was able to hear the song too. I played the demo for her after I wrote it too.
Thanks for posting Pete. Will listen to Kid again today for her.
Thanks, Jason.
Pete I am so very sorry for your loss.She sure sounds like a very neat gal. Sending you love in this time of sorrow.
Thanks, Jen. She most certainly was.
Very sorry for your loss Pete.
Thank you, Kevin.
Very sorry Pete & Family for your loss, what an awesome lady. Wishing you healing ❤️🩹
What a beautiful tribute, Pete. May memories of your Mom be a comfort and a blessing to you, and to all who loved her. Sending a wide expanse of love your way.
Thanks, Eli!
What a beautiful tribute. Deepest sympathies for your loss.
Thank you, Andrew.
So sorry to hear this news. I just watched the video the other day and thought how lucky all three of you were; they look like cool parents and so much fun. My "uncle-dad" is now in a care home and the family is dealing with the same thing. It's so difficult. He remembers our names, just not *who* we are.
You and your family made her last days here so comfortable and special. That is as perfect a send off as anyone could ever wish for! (star eyes)
(Where are the emojis I've become so dependent on to express my feelings?!)
That story is one heck of a tearjerker and I have to go cry now...But! I do believe our spirits live on once our bodies give up. All of that energy and love doesn't just go away. I believe our loved ones are more alive than they *ever* were here; because we are all spiritual beings having a human experience. (Just overheard that on TV the other day and thought "Yeah...yeah, that's true.")
And I believe it is true. So I *do* believe that your mom and dad can and will reunite and that we will *all* be reunited with our loved ones again someday...Somehow!
(Hmmmm emoji with the monacle)
Personally, a *tiny* part of me is excited to see what it's all about when it's my time...
Take good care of and go easy on yourselves.
-lea
Thank you, Lea. The best advice I received for being with Mom as her dementia progressed was to "meet her where she is." That served me well. I wish you the best with your 'uncle-dad. Thanks for the rest of your note.
‘You better believe it’ what could be more beautiful, rich, and full circle than that? ❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️
Hi Jyl- yes... it was a lovely moment I will cherish.