Mother's Day in the Tarheel State

The second Sunday of May is always a double feature in the Tarheel state. Families gather to spend time with their mothers and congratulate the new graduates of UNC & Duke Universities.  Hotel and brunch reservations are made well in advanced ! And I typically play the harp for a Graduation Party and a Mother’s Day Celebration.

This year was no different! Last Saturday, I played for a wonderful family in Carrboro. Their graduate finished her degree from UNC at the age of 60. With a family to take care of and job, she spent 15 years taking a handful of classes a each year to work towards her degree. What amazing determination!

Her husband arranged for a wonderful party at their home with Carolina blue cups, napkins, and flowers. I only wish I had a blue harp! At their request, I played a mix of Broadway, Gershwin, Beatles, Jazz Standards, Rock & Country music. For me, the best moment was a romantic two-step dance on the patio to “Sleepwalk” arranged for the harp.  

After a couple of hours of serenading guests with music like “Stairway to Heaven” and“A Thousand Years,” I packed up my harp headed home for dinner.

Sunday, I returned to Atria Oakridge, a retirement community in Raleigh, to play for their annual “Mother’s Day Tea.” Residents gathered with their friends, children and grandchildren eating small sandwiches and sipping on mimosas. I played a mix of classical and standards. I chatted with some of the residents afterwards about the harp and their Mother’s Day plans. After playing at Atria Oakridge several times, I am becoming well acquainted with their community. I try to catch up with the residents that I have come to know, and take note of their special requests for ‘next time.’

Mother's Day Tea at Atria Oakridge