Yes, I came and left fife and drum a few times, but I could never part with my fife. I would still pick it up and play it to make sure I remembered how. I knew when all of the musters were happening, and I would remember back to the days of chasing my friends through the muster field while playing man hunt. Those were the good old times. Before cell phones, when children had to use imaginations because there were no portable DVD players. Fast forward to today, and that tradition is living on in my family.
This past weekend Pierce, Carter, and I helped host The Fyfes and Drums of Olde Saratoga's muster. It was our 15th anniversary as a corp, and of course, we all love getting together for musters. Both boys were super excited for this muster. Reason #1? They would be sleeping in a tent. A big tent. Next to their friends. And the big moment for both; they were going on stand as drummers for the first official time with the corp. Pierce had his big drum packed in the car the night before, while Carter had his little in his lap on the way to the muster. What Pierce found out the morning of the muster, was that he could march in the color guard as well. For the first time ever, he was deemed big enough to march the parade like he has been practicing for a year, and he didn't have to ride in a back pack. Oh boy did he have a grin ear to ear the whole parade.
As we took the stand, Pierce stood in the back row with the bass drummers, while Carter kind of wandered for part of it. When it came to leaving the field, Carter decided he was going to stay behind and play for the whole crowd. It was actually pretty comical, as I ran out there to get him. But what really gave me that warm fuzzy feeling all weekend, was watching both boys play with other children, making friends with kids that will be doing this for a long time to come. Watching them have to play old fashioned games, since we had no electricity, plumbing, or anything of the sorts, totally made my weekend. We brought Candy Land with us, and Pierce asked every person he could find to play with him. I loved watching them, taken out of their normal element, thrive and love it.
While both boys were eager to go home because they missed their Daddy, they were also sad. Both boys have already asked me when we drum again, and are bummed that it is not next weekend. And sure enough, I was watching Pierce practice so intently this afternoon what one of his role models had taught him for rudiments this weekend. The look on his face when he finally mastered it, reminded me of the pride I felt when I was welcomed onto the fife line. There is nothing to describe it, other than this overwhelming sense of pride and peace within yourself. I am so proud of my boys for becoming the little men they are. Yes, I am aware that they are only 3 and 21 months. However, there is something about them that makes them wise beyond their years. I am also very happy that they seem to have fife and drum in their blood, and that they love it so much that they too want to learn how to play the instruments.
Pierce and Carter, welcome to the world of fife and drum. We are very happy to have you, and may you always push yourselves to learn continuously. Make friends, be kids, and continue to grow into the people you are meant to be. Don't let anyone convince you that you don't belong here, because you certainly do.
And Pierce; you said this weekend you want to be like Timmy and play in the Old Guard. Do it buddy. I know you can. And I will support you 1000% all the way.
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