My mom was a force of nature- as a single mom to us three kids, she did it all- cook, clean, fix the washing machine, dance around the living room with us. Now that I am a grown-up and a mom, I shake my head and wonder how she did it. She was almost always the smartest person in the room, and definitely the most talented. Her sharp sense of humor sometimes drew blood, but her heart was in the right place. She spent her life caring for others, first her siblings, then my dad's siblings (and both of their ailing parents), then us kids, and then for a houseful of refugees from the war in Vietnam. I never heard her complain about helping those who needed it, and knowing what a reclusive person she was, I am sure it was difficult for her. It seemed like she could never make up her mind whether she was an introvert or an extravert, and she turned to music to bridge that gap, I think. 

Near the end of her life, even when she was losing her grasp of recent memory, she still held on to her "can-do" attitude and love of music. She charmed everyone at her assisted living facility, and would gather up the residents to come listen to a woman who suddenly sat down at the piano and played. She beamed encouragement and support and truly took pleasure in that little miracle. And she still had all that music inside, as well. Even when she couldn't remember the name of the tune, if you got her started, she could play the whole thing! I am happy she was my mom, and happy I am the person I am because of her.