"Where I Belong."

This is the case that holds the instrument that salvaged our middle school year.  She had to add a sequined bow so no one else would use her instrument.

To some this is just metal and wood, maybe some cork, and paint.  But what you are looking at has changed my child for the better.  This is the clarinet that did for Bri what Brian or I couldn't.  She's learned to put it together, to care for it, and to even play it.

I don't know that I've talked about it much here, but in September Bri was having a hard time adjusting to school and the move.  She was also struggling with what her teachers expect of her and her own demons were rearing their ugly heads.  When sitting in the counselors office, she looked at me and said, "I want to switch this class for band. I want to play the clarinet."  I came home and talked to Brian.  We tried to talk her out of it.  No one in the house could help her, we are both non-musical.  She stuck to her guns and we switched her to band.  Her attitude changed immediately.  Her smile came back!  The clarinet, Ms. Rees (her wonderful band teacher), and her bandmates gave me my child's smile back.

Tonight Bri, along with her bandmates, will play their Spring Concert.  I'm so thankful to the clarinet, Ms. Rees, the 6th grade counselor, and Bri's good girlfriends who have stuck by her this year.  Thank you for giving Bri her place where she belongs!  She said those words to me in the car Tuesday. She said band is the place where she belongs.