A Summer I'll Never Forget

This has been a summer unlike any other.

In all my years of teaching, I honestly can't remember another time when I've gone this long without sitting at the piano with my students. It has felt strange not hearing little fingers playing scales, favorite songs drifting through the house, and the laughter that fills our lessons.

But this summer had a different purpose.

Many of you know that I underwent surgery to remove a tumor. Today, I have the incredible joy of sharing the news that the surgery was a complete success. The tumor is gone, and I don't need any further treatment.

Those are words I will never stop being grateful for.

As I've recovered over the past several weeks, life has moved at a much slower pace than I'm used to. There have been quiet mornings, afternoon naps, short walks, time with family and friends, and lots of opportunities to simply rest. It wasn't easy at first—I'm much more comfortable staying busy than sitting still—but sometimes life gently reminds us that slowing down isn't wasted time. It's where healing happens.

This season has given me a renewed appreciation for so many things: my health, the kindness of others, the power of prayer, and the incredible support I have received from family, friends, neighbors, and all of you. Every card, message, meal, prayer, and encouraging word meant more than I can express. Thank you for walking beside me during this journey.

And now...

I'm ready.

I'm ready to hear music filling the studio again.

I'm ready for the excitement of learning new pieces, celebrating accomplishments, laughing over piano games, and watching students discover just how capable they really are.

If anything, this summer has reminded me that music is about so much more than playing the right notes. Music brings hope. It brings comfort. It helps us express feelings that words sometimes can't. It teaches patience, resilience, and joy. Those lessons feel even more meaningful to me now.