Harp Dreams

The PBS special last evening called, “Harp Dreams” transported me rather instantly back to the harp dream I held in my heart so, so many years ago.  At 16 I just knew that I was meant to be a concert harpist. tour the world, dazzle audiences, leave critics speechless. I remember lying across my bed, trying on different names, practicing fancy signatures.  I saw what I looked like too—hair swept up, wearing fancy gowns, and of course, ever smiling. 

I did not just dream about becoming a concert harpist—I practiced long and hard and diligently—2, 3, 4 hours a day—sometimes even longer—giving not even one thought to the parties and gatherings I chose to forego so that I might get in another hour or so on my beloved harp.  All of that and more came to me last night as I watched the finalists prepare themselves for their moment before the judges.  Who would win the golden harp?

At 16, how was I to know the Universe had very different plans for me?  How was I to know that my adventures with the harp would take me not to competitions nor to foreign lands, but rather, before anxious patients, harried nurses, the worried well?  How was I to know that the 28 years I spent away from my beloved instrument would give me the experiences I would need to be able to teach and inspire others to play for themselves and for others in healthcare?  By last night’s program’s end, I was happy for the winner of competition, but even happier and all the more grateful for how my own harp dream turned out.

”Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” –Harriet Tubman

”Dreams are like stars…you may never touch them, but if you follow them, they will lead you to your destiny.” –Anonymous

Dreams are illustrations…from the book your soul is writing about you.” –Marsha Norman

Enjoy your day!