Forever In My Heart

There’s nothing like watching the snowfall from indoors, especially when you have a roaring fire, music in the background and a glass of wine in hand. Add a few friends to the mix or maybe just a plus one, and perfection is achieved.  Need I say it? I succeeded!

The calm after the storm came on Thursday, which had me venturing outdoors with my friend Brian to frolic in the snow. It was a lovely day, and what enhanced this experience was meeting people along the way, especially those walking their pets. I met my share of handsome dogs. They are always remarkably beautiful against a blanket of snow. (To Mark and Mose, it was nice making your acquaintance.) We also encountered a large group of snowboarders... What fun!

After hours playing, I stopped at the grocery store, and eventually made my way back home to prepare for the evening. It was a symphony night and I was meeting my friend Michael at his place. Lucky me, he serenaded me with a Mozart Sonata before we left. I consider this a special surprise – always. Thank you, friend.

We eventually made our way downtown to the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Sadly, many did not make it to the concert, and boy did they miss a real treat! The guest conductor, Juanjo Mena, was engaging, and I have never been so enthralled with a conductor, especially during Sinfonia No. 4 by Roberto Sierra. That music spoke to him and enhanced the effect it had on me. His movements were both stimulating and electric. At one point he was in midair, both feet leaving the podium. His passion for this piece was intensely felt, and there was a thunderous applause after. It set the tone for what was to come.

The guest violinist, Augustin Hadelich, was absolute perfection, playing Brahms’ Violin Concerto. What a smooth performance, drawing all in with ease. It was not too long after when we were standing, applauding what was truly music to the ears, and a gift to the soul. He was kind enough to play an encore, Paganini’s Caprice #24. (Hadelich has an inspiring story, and it’s worth reading.)

From Hayden, to Sierra, to Brahms, this concert was in full force, sublime in every way. I left energized, happy and wanting more (just the way it should be).

Our city is incredibly fortunate to have Maestro Marin Alsop at the helm leading a powerful orchestra. Kudos, to all. Baltimore has many complexities and challenges, and whenever I feel a bit compromised in my views of the city I retreat to the cultural scene (especially to my beloved BSO), which is a safe haven, a place where I find inspiration and solitude. More importantly, it’s where I reconnect.

I felt like I had all the happiness I needed, thus my transitioning into a low-key weekend. However, there was one more thing on my list. I have a friend whom I haven’t seen in three years, and we were meeting Friday afternoon at her home for lunch.

Ours is a special relationship. One I know that was meant to be. Yes, I am talking fate/destiny. I need not explain our friendship in this post, but what I do want to say is this... I was incredibly happy Thursday with the bounty of goodwill shown to me, and with what I was able to reciprocate because it came with an open mind and a genuine heart. I was with people I love most in the world, doing the things that make me smile from ear to ear – walking/hiking, talking, and playing.

When I got to my friend’s home on Friday and she opened the door, I was more than happy, if that’s possible. My arms ached to hug and hold her, and did!

She is someone who never judges. She’s accepting, loving, giving, and it’s unconditional. She’s gentle, kind, nurturing and persuasive, and loyal to a fault. She’s beautiful – inside and out, intelligent, and she is what I call the real deal.

I know where I stand in her eyes, more importantly in her heart. She sees me, even those days when I can’t see myself. Her greatest gifts are to listen and inspire. She’s undoubtedly a kindred spirit. It was nice to do what we do best – talk, laugh and love.

There are many, many ways to measure friendship, and I’m here to tell you all are not the same. That’s not to say one is better than the other. I refuse to believe anyone can have more than three close friends. I’m not saying you can’t have lots and lots of devoted people at your side who love and care about you, but spend time today looking at who’s there for you, really there.

Is it the person who allows you to utilize their car when yours is in the shop, or the person who lends you a few dollars when things are tight? Perhaps it’s the person who makes you laugh or listens to you cry. These types of people are wonderful and deserve acknowledgment for their generosity and good deeds, but does that necessarily mean they are the truest of the true? Know this, a true friend is brutally honest, loyal, and lives in your heart through wisdom.

To my beloved, thank you for your blessings and words of inspiration. I carry them where I carry you – in my heart, always and forever in my heart.

The greatest gift you give to your daughters, family, to me, friends, and the world at large is your ability to live by example. I speak for all when I say, thank you. I have one wish, and that’s to emulate what you do so exquisitely – love. You’ll live forever in my heart – always and forever in my heart. - paerki