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An
exciting summer is too quickly drawing to a close, the signals of change are
flashing brightly on the horizon. There is a certain false sense of
perpetuity as the seasons pass, as though there will always be the same
activities happening and the same beautiful faces sharing them with you.
But as many of you know all too well, that is not the case.
We have had an incredible
year, and we have celebrated beginnings and endings, new
experiences and connecting with old friends. We
have graduated another of our children from high school,
sensing the bittersweet paradox of accomplishment and
the end of an era. My heart rejoices with my
children, and yet struggles to live in the moment with
the wind of change blowing so punishingly all around me.
Gretchen has big news to
celebrate! On a recent trip to Paris, her
wonderful boyfriend and soul mate proposed to her on a
footbridge at the base of the Eiffel Tower.
Needless to say, she said 'yes' and the wedding planning
has begun. She also continues to
grow as a teacher and mentor to a very large group of
violin students. I am so proud of her sweet spirit
and her patient encouragement of these kids. Her
heart continues to be drawn toward the children of
Haiti, especially those that she taught violin lessons
to. She hopes to return to
Haiti
in September to check on the students, and to get
another dose of the unquenchable joy these children
spread to all those around them.
Emily completed her first
year at New England Conservatory in May, and although it
was incredibly stressful, it was a year of growth on
many levels. She has spent the summer teaching and
performing with Vermont Symphony, trying to put a little
money in the bank before school takes over her life once
again. It has been lovely to have her popping in
and out all summer, sharing a meal and bringing the
'Emily joy' back to the house.
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Annabelle is continuing
to work as a free lance harpist in New York City.
She has had many interesting gigs this year, ranging
from an audition to tour with Lady Gaga to performing
weddings in Central Park. She comes for dinner as
often as possible, and brings with her that dry sense of
humor that makes
us all laugh for hours after she leaves.
Jack is working hard at Sam
Ash Music in New Haven, and continues to further his career there. He will
be returning to school in the fall, juggling studies and work. He is
working with John in developing his internet business, and they are enjoying the
camaraderie that comes from sharing a common goal.
Sam had an incredible senior
year of high school. He had lead roles in three major productions (not
including his summer plays), he went to Haiti, traveled to Europe with his
school group, and then took a trip to Florida with his senior class. He is
now working hard to prepare for
spending a year in Haiti. I am struggling with mixed emotions.
I am so proud of him and all he hopes to accomplish for these children, but I
will miss him terribly.
James had an exciting end
of the year at school. He opened the varsity
baseball season with a no-hitter for his school team.
He went on to be named the MVP of his team as a
freshman. Needless to say, the boys eats, breathes
and sleeps baseball. He has had a great summer
playing for his dad and the New Haven Knights.
Jeremiah has also had an
amazing summer of baseball. He has played almost
every position on the field, including pitching some
really intense, important games and coming out on top.
He is looking forward to the beginning of the school
year, and all that the new year will hold.
John and I seem to be
busier and busier every day. This is as it should
be. Life continues to move along at a rapid pace,
and no matter how hard I try to slow down and smell the
illusive roses, the hands of that clock just keep
turning and turning. But there is a great sense of
peace knowing that these children are in the hands of
their Creator, and that He orders and guides their
steps. Stumbles happen, and each of them must walk
very different roads with varying amounts of rocks and
potholes. But as change continues to blow into our
lives, I can only sit back and watch these beautiful
souls fly.
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Summer
has come to mean two things in the Taubl household...baseball and theater.
The boys had a fabulous summer of New Haven Knights baseball. They
finished the season strong with a first ever appearance in the state tournament.
It was some of the best of times, and the worst of times (sorry Dickens) but
that's baseball! John enjoys coaching a great deal, and it is especially
fun when two of your players are your own sons! Fall ball starts in
September, so they get to play until the weather turns cold. Break out the
blankets!
Long Wharf Theatre's Shake It Up Shakespeare was a glorious part of our summer
this year as well. The program for summer 2011 included a rock opera
version of Hamlet, one of Shakespeare's most complex and intriguing tragedies.
Sam played the role of Hamlet, singing and playing his way into madness, while
Jeremiah played the role of his best friend, Horatio. Jeremiah closed the
show with a heart rending version of Jeff Buckley's "Hallelujah." James
played the role of Laertes, who ends up in a duel with Hamlet that costs both of
them their lives. Jack played the really fun and creepy role of "the
Ghost." These pictures give you just a little feel of what the show looked
like. 
