Spice and Other Committments

[HarryEsq@aol.com]

I am a lawyer/musician (or a musician/lawyer depending on the day of the 
week) and my wife is a consultant who works more hours than me - I play or 
listen to music during virtually all waking hours when not working, eating or 
simulating procreation - Have 3 kids - 14 year old daughter and two sons ages 
11 and 5 - 

I agree that seeing parents work hard at things they're committed to helps 
children learn lessons that can't be taught by sitting them down and 
lecturing - I like to think that my kids benefit from seeing me do something 
I love and that remains important to me even though I'm "old" (or at least 
not a chronological kid) - 

My daughter is playing upright bass and I just bought her an electric in 
honor of her graduation from middle school - My 11 year plays piano and is 
studying composers and the "classics" - My 5 year old also takes piano 
lessons and has a great sense of rhythm - I'm really proud of them and happy 
that some of my musical obsession seems to rub off - 

No question, though, that some of the "normal" interactions like sitting and 
watching tv or having a leisurely dinner are sacrificed in favor of music 
making - But I think the trade off is worth it - 

I can really relate to the XMAS story though - I've felt that pang of guilt 
too often - But, this is the price of obsession ......

Harry