Please excuse a bit of family business…

Moving to a smaller house required switching to a smaller piano. June wrote about the downsizing move, “We went straight to the music store and came out with a Yamaha baby grand which I love.” What to do with our 7-foot Baldwin?

Answer: give it to our youngest son, David, who lives near Atlanta. David posted on FaceBook:

I haven’t shared this news widely until today. But this instrument has now begun its journey from Colorado to Georgia. Those of you out there that have been around my family for a long time know the significance of this piano. When we moved from a rental house to Rockrimmon in 1987, my parents acquired this American made Baldwin. No, they did not purchase it for their 7 year old that had been taking piano lessons for barely a year. Mom and dad are elite pianists and they wanted this piano for their lifetime. Nonetheless, I began practicing on this piano. I remember getting grounded when I touched the strings. I remember many frustrating practice sessions, wondering if I would continue. I remember big Christmas gatherings where my parents and others would take turns leading everyone in our favorite carols. I remember the first Christmas I was good enough to be in that rotation. This piano was my primary instrument from age 7 to age 19 when I left for college. I didn’t track it, but I would imagine I have 4,000-5,000 hours on this piano. And now it is coming here, to my home in Georgia. The stories this piano could tell… I simply cannot express what it means for this instrument to be in my care. Travel safe, old friend.

June’s brother Paul, a fine pianist, wrote:

Awesome piano, with a Renner action, made when Baldwin and Steinway were co-equals. In fact, many artists chose Baldwin over Steinway, including Liberace. It is a very fine instrument. Congratulations. I am so happy that it is going to a place where it will be used and appreciated and will stay in the family. I know your mom and dad feel the same.

June echoed:

Don’t be sad because we are giving away our piano. The time has come that we need a smaller house with NO STEPS! Your dad and I wanted you to have the Baldwin concert grand as it “fits you.”

Before we had even thought about moving, June, David, and I scheduled a concert at YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Sunday, August 24. It won’t be on “that” piano, but maybe in our hearts, it can be in honor of the piano as it makes its way across county (expected delivery is mid-September). Join us if you can! Here’s another of David’s FaceBook posts:

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. (1 Peter 4.10, ESV)