S. M. And L. E.

There are some days when a student comes into my room and immediately proceeds to play on the piano that I think, "OMG, get out your cello and sit down."  And other days, like today, when I somehow have the good will to say, "Waking up the piano?" And then guide them through getting out their instrument and starting a productive lesson.

In a later lesson, after guiding a student through a mentally taxing pattern, he took the opportunity while I spoke with his mother about it, to ask to get a drink of water.  I said, Of course, and after he had left the room his mother somewhat apologetically said, "You know he has ADHD so I just let him...."  It was a funny thing because I have been working with him for over 7 months and while a diagnosis had never come to me, his attention span is quite noticeably short and hard to grasp (for both of us, I think).  Also funny because she sets high expectations for him, really digs into his work, is one of the most attentive parents in the lessons and loyal in their home practices.  I had no problem with him getting water, but that she didn't protest it was more surprising.  She pushes him out of devotion and love and although she spoke of fits in their practice, she has raised an incredibly polite and courteous child, despite the challenges he must experience with his focus.   Her saying this to me, opening a wider picture of their existence individually and together, made it easy to keep finding him in the rest of the lesson, to get closer to him, to guide his attention a little more tightly.  

How wonderful are people.  What beautiful beings.