A few years ago, my mom gave me her piano. The piano was a childhood gift and she learned how to play on it. At almost half a century old, this piano has gifted several households with music.

I remember its placement in my grandmother’s house. I recall slamming my fingers in the wooden cover for the keys.

I recall the white plastic container of water that my grandma would fill and place behind the piano.

I remember stretching my body to reach the pedals of the piano while pressing a key on the keyboard.

I remember when my grandma moved into an apartment, the piano was moved to our house. It had its own spot in the family room and I recall how my mom would play beautiful music on it.

I also remember seasons of Christmas music and gathering around the piano to sing Christmas carols.

However, in our home, the piano is often silent. I unfortunately don’t play piano. I took a few lessons but disliked reading music. My husband sometimes tinkers on the piano. He’ll use it to figure out songs that he would like to play on other instruments such as his guitar or ukulele.

It saddened me that the piano didn’t get played very often. Its purpose is to be played… to make music… to unite the family through its melodies.

But then…

Thanks to our children, this beautiful and majestic instrument has been rediscovered in the heart of our home.

This old piano has new life.

Jennifer Bly

Author of My Kitchen, My Classroom: An Introduction to Homeschool and creator of The Deliberate Mom. Jennifer writes about parenting, homeschooling, her faith, and life with her husband and two girls. Jennifer has a Bachelor of Applied Human Service Administration Degree with a specialization in Early Learning in Child Care.