Posted in The Kiddos
...and the throwing up continued all through Tuesday night. The boys' room became Matthew's sick room and Evan slept on the floor of Sophie's room in a sleeping bag (an adventure for him.) School yesterday consisted of one long read aloud interspersed with Evan running through his piano pieces. I gave Matthew some coke syrup and ginger tea to sip slowly (not at the same time ~ yuk!) for the nausea which worked until 3:30 pm when his fever soared, his stomach revolted again, and he said that the room was spinning. Tylenol and a lukewarm bath helped bring down his fever some.
Evan's practicing during the day did not seem to bode well. Wrong notes popped up where all had been smooth and steady before while the tempo careened erratically. It seemed like Evan was quarrelling with the instrument and the sullen look on his face made me think he was losing the fight.
Evan's friend Caleb called to let him know that he and his parents would be attending the piano performance that evening to hear Evan play. Before Evan hung up the phone, he exclaimed, "Oh No! They are all coming!" I told him that I sure hoped that Caleb had not heard that little outburst before he had hung up on his end!
Aunt Beth graciously upheld her offer to babysit for us while we attended the competition in spite of the sickness. At the rec center, Evan warmed up on a rinky-dink piano in an entryway while other competitors stared at him through the glass doors. His confidence and steadiness returned to my relief.
During the competition, two other pianists played prior to Evan. After each performance, we sat whispering during the three minutes of silence while the four judges recorded their scores and comments. Evan said that his stomach felt queasy from nerves while he waited. I leaned over and whispered to him, "Three minutes seems like a long time!"
"Contestant #106"
James noted to me later that Evan had the biggest "fan section" in the room. Evan's grandma, friends Cheryl and Michaela from church, and Caleb's family sat with us. We appreciated their interest and support!
Early this morning, James received a phone call from Evan's piano teacher saying that Evan placed in the top three out of fourteen finalists in the beginner division and will receive an award at the final recital!
Comments
Apr. 26, 2007 - Very Impressive!
Posted by Aunt Jackie
Wow Evan! You played so well and to place in the top three is amazing. You must feel so proud and relieved that all your hard work paid off. I have a vague memory of your mother practicing that second piece a lot when we were younger. Noah said that he thought it was so cool that you could play so well and were in a competition.
I am sorry that Matthew was so sick and had to miss the performance. I hope that he is feeling better.
Apr. 26, 2007 - very nice
Posted by John Marshall
evan, you should be very proud of yourself. you did a great job. it sounds especially impressive to somebody like me who can't play the piano!
Apr. 27, 2007 - Bravo!
Posted by Colleen
Hi Evan! That was just wonderful! I can tell you have really worked hard. Keep it up!
Apr. 28, 2007 - Evan's performance
Posted by Anonymous
Hey Evan,
Way to go, man! You did really well! I only hear three mistakes (but then what do I know?)! The first tune I didn't recognize, but the second one I've heard 500,000 times and I'venever heard it done better. Keep up the good work!
Affectionately,
Grampaw
May. 9, 2007 - Yeah! Evan
Posted by A. Angi
Evan, that was awesome! We are sorry to have missed the REAL thing. Will you play it for us sometime in person?
Keep up the hard work...just think of what you could play next year!
Love, A.Angi and all