Bach to Bach

I was standing in my closet this morning choosing clothes for the day. Though it is Shabbat, daughter #2 has solo recital at her Middle School and she is playing the Bach Double Concerto with her dear friend. I thought to dress appropriately. And I chose a shirt and sweater I had purchased in the Fall on a shopping trip with my mother, who lives in Canada and whom I was visiting. I am returning there next weekend for another visit, and as we discussed the plans for the weekend, I suggested an itinerary not unlike that of my last visit: Shabbat dinner, lunch, a walk to the Mall, purchasing a shirt and sweater, and then dinner. My mother erpressed some pleasure at the plan. And I understood that we are forever our parents’ children, and that engaging in activities that emphasize that relation of parent-child provides the parents with some comfort. I have no longer need of a parent, but I will always have need for my children. And so, I will return next week with a new shirt and sweater which I will enjoy and not need.

In the meantime, as a parent I will sit proudly listening to all of the right and wrong notes, and thank Bach for writing such a piece that my daughter so intently plays with her dear friend. Tomorrow the Youth Symphony Orchestra in which she plays is in concert, and we will experience an earthly performance of at least two of Holst’s The Planets and several other delights.