Brighter than Noonday

I couldn’t have been more than five. The television in my uncle and aunt’s small den that was sitting upon a wooden chest was much taller than I. I sank into the dark sofa in the room that was only lit by the television. My aunt, like a fairy godmother, brought treats throughout the movie and then would quietly exit the room. I slowly walked up to the screen with a cup that felt cold, a spoon handle stuck out from inside the cup, as I tried to see what I had been tasting for the last couple of minutes. It was green. Like the face of the wicked witch from the Wizard of Oz. Small speckles of chocolate chips were swirled and dotted throughout. It was ice cream, mint chocolate chip. It became a favorite from then on.

What also became a favorite was the movie that flickered the light into the otherwise dark room. The song of her heart, the dedication of him and his steed, it was my first adventure into a classic fairy tale. Accompanied by the sounds of the composer Tchaikovsky, Sleeping Beauty, Aurora, danced upon the screen with a hope so evident I was captivated. I never forgot that first meeting with her. The music was enchanting.

Like many, I enjoy great story telling and music makes it rich like an ice cream swirled with bits of goodness. Characters dedicated to triumph over evil, challenge life and to live for hope. Rory was named for this life outlook. Aurora meaning “a new dawn” and Kent meaning “on the coast”*, for when the sunrises it is a new day to fight. A new day to hope for triumph over whatever we might be facing, turning dismal obstacles into opportunity to love and live.

Rory and I went to the symphony last week. After a beautiful time honoring my mother there last year, I knew Rory would enjoy experiencing it again. Chris took her on a Daddy-Daughter date the night before to find a dress. Rory decided she already had the perfect dress to wear and instead convinced Chris to buy she and I matching diamond (fake) necklaces.

We wore them proudly the next afternoon as she clicked down the street to our destination in her Sleeping Beauty dress and glass slippers Ryder had given her for Christmas. She was instantly a part of the environment, listening intently as the instruments she played spoke back to her in beats and sighs. Following the gold swirled carpet to the auditorium, we soon found our seats.

 

The music began and the story of Babar the Elephant was read between acts. Princess Aurora came to life. She danced in front of her seat, twirling and smiling in time with the orchestra who no doubt practiced each piece just for her. Sparkles from her dress sprinkled the guest around her like fairy dust. She borrowed my giant camera and tried her best to capture the magic of the afternoon.

Like her namesake, she was inspired for life to come, the wonder and hope of every moment, every note, connecting to the next. The promise carried though the tones and emotions that emanated from the stage. Deep bass sounds stringed notes as Babar ran through the jungle and danger signals tooted from brass horns. Delicate high notes graced the air through the harpist’s fingers like shiny soap bubbles floating down in curtains of warmth. The storyteller introduced friends who helped Babar navigate an intimidating city with whistles from shiny flutes and skipping piano keys. Much like Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty, the language of my Aurora’s heart was in the air for all to hear.

These adventures inspire me. I love the hope children bring to this life we share. I learn so much watching through their lenses. To focus on the wonder, the hope, the rest of the world fades and what really matters gleams like sunshine. I am inspired by these moments to apply them to other areas of my life. Imagination and hope in life creates one of the best outlooks. She sees what isn’t there and lives for it.

Life will be brighter than noonday,
and darkness will become like morning.
¹⁸ You will be secure, because there is hope;
you will look about you and take your rest in safety.

– Job 11:17-18

*Kent in some name origins say “fire”, “white”, or “adventurer”. But the word Kent is derived from one of the first ancient English kingdoms in SE Great Britain that is on the coast of the English Channel. Rory was named for “the coast” because her Grandpa’s name is Kent and I love that he was a coast guard captain and is a man of hope.

Thank you to all the musicians and staff at the Virginia Symphony and for recognizing the importance of music for little prince and princesses. The PB&Jam session was brilliant! A perfect amount of wonder (only 45 wiggly minutes!) with beautifully story telling throughout. For more information on Virginia Symphony’s PB&Jam sessions, please go here.