It's Not Where You Start...

Tomorrow I will be celebrating this amazing woman, Mrs. Florence Hardgrove and her 90 years of life.

Mrs. Hardgrove became my voice teacher when I was a freshman in high school and I took lessons from her for ten years. She was with me through the craziness that was high school, my college years, my first big-girl job, and meeting and marrying my husband.

I always say she was/is so much more than a voice teacher. She is my mentor, therapist, political commentator, book club leader, spiritual director...a true inspiration. And what a life she has led! Daughter of a Methodist bishop, she grew up in Virginia and started singing at the age of three. She built airplanes during World War II, sang on a national radio show (along with Beverly Sills), started her own local opera company, sang in the famous New York opera houses, and taught countless students the value of music.

In 2008 she convinced me to sing a concert - 10 songs, all me (all memorized) ranging from classical pieces to opera to Broadway. I remember the cold January night that I got in my car crying because I had no idea how I could do this. It wasn't stage fright, but the idea of needing to do this that scared me most. And 10 months later we did it. And donated almost $1000.00 to Habitat for Humanity from attendees. It was one of the most incredible days of my life - standing room only, surrounded by family and friends and sharing the gift of song. Our favorite song that day? It's Not Where You Start (it's where you finish).  It's what I'll be singing to her tomorrow as we all honor her.

The lesson Mrs. Hardgrove taught me above all others is in this post - to be truly happy one must always dwell in beauty. The beauty of God, the beauty of flowers, the beauty of others, and of course, the beauty of music.

Thank you, Mrs. Hardgrove, for sharing your passion for life and music so self-lessly. You are not just an inspiration, but a hero.