Last Updated on January 24, 2022 by Rebecca

“Don't Forget”

*Video at bottom of post

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Listening to this improvisation brought up very nostalgic feelings for me.

A little under a year ago, I moved away from the First Nations reserve where I had been teaching high school English for 4 years. I can tell you, without any hesitation, that it was the most friendly and welcoming community I have ever lived in. (And I've moved around a lot!)

Now, the high school in this community only includes grades 9 and 10, which means students have to leave the community to complete grades 11 and 12 so they can graduate. (Can you imagine moving away from home all on your own at 16?!)

One of the high schools many students move to for grades 11 and 12 happens to be near the community I currently live in. And just last week, I was invited by a former student to attend her graduation.

I was excited to attend. I was proud of her, and excited for her, and I felt so honoured that she wanted me to be part of her special day!

As I drove along the highway to the graduation, I naturally found myself reminiscing about the years I'd spent teaching on the reserve. Remembering the friendly people, the dirt roads, the relaxed lifestyle, the connection with nature.

At the graduation, I got to catch up with 3 of my former students, as well as a handful of friends and colleagues from the reserve. It felt good to reconnect with these people, with the life I left behind. It made me realize how much I really do miss it, and it made me really appreciate all the things I miss about it.

I don't regret moving on. I'm very happy in the life I'm building for myself in my new community. It's been an exciting adventure, starting fresh in a new community, and finally pursuing the piano dreams I've spent most of my adult life hiding from.

But I sometimes it's nice to remember where you've been and to appreciate all the moments, people, and experiences that made you who you are today.

So it's no surprise to me that when I sat down a few days after the graduation to listen to this improvisation and feel out a title for it, feelings of nostalgia are what came to me. I found myself thinking sappy thoughts about how missing something means you're lucky enough to have had something meaningful and valuable in your life.

So I called this improvisation “Don't Forget,” in honour of the memories we've all made, and are all making every day. The memories that continually shape us into who we are and who we will be.

Share Your Thoughts!

What do you see and feel when you listen to my improvisation? Do you feel the title I chose suits the music? Or do you experience it differently? And what special memories do you hold with you that have shaped who you are today? I love hearing from my readers, so share your thoughts in the comments below! 🙂