Hedreich Nichols

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Thank You For The Music II

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In May I usually think of my mom. It’s been 13 years but I still miss her. I also think about my son. He’s so much like her and our relationship reminds me of not what I lost when my mother departed this earthly realm, but what I still have. What I still have from her. This month alone I played 4 gigs with my kid bassist. On Mother’s Day we did my arrangement of Ed Sheeran’s “Supermarket Flowers”. There wasn’t a dry eye in the church. Earlier this month we performed “Sing My Song” from my CD Time Now in a trio with Steve Bessler. That song features a sample from my mom’s Stellar award winning song, “Victory”, and a sample of my then 6 year-old saying “sing mommy”, uniting three generations of my musical family. This week I had the joy of listening to my son audition for varsity orchestra with his own arrangement, an impressive mix of classical, Latin and modern literature. Watching this musician blossom makes me swell with pride, and connects me to my own momma. I know just how she felt watching me grow, excel and succeed. 

In seeing the reflection of my mom in a young, suddenly mustached face, I am reminded of what a good mom I was blessed to have. Thank you for the music, Putches.

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A Motherless Child (Not)

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               Two of my mother-sister-friends

Tomorrow marks the anniversary of my mother’s death. Even more than a decade on, I still feel her absence. When her grandson went to his first semi-formal dance, got a 1 at UIL in orchestra and played E-bass for the first time in the church band, I missed her. When I found a hair on my chinny chin chin hailing my induction into the middle aged momma club, I missed her. When I met a man who knows all the old BC&S songs, I missed her. But; rare are the times I feel like a motherless child. 

I have been blessed with the loving, continuous support of a group of mother-sister-friends who provide wisdom, solace, encouragement and a never-ending list of other good stuff. These women are beautiful inside and out. They are brilliant, witty women whose talents and outlook on life have influenced me since my childhood. They are the best part of my mother’s legacy. She chose friends wisely and their love for her has been passed on to me, engulfing my spirit in motherly love. My time with them, spent in conversation, song or not so shy giggles over the handsomeness of Morris Chestnut, Jesse Williams and Richard Burton always rejuvenates me and fills me with longing for our next meeting. These are women who laugh with me, pray for me and my boy, and who drive or fly hours just to spend time with me. 

In this month when I remember the mother who was gone too soon, I rejoice in the incredible birthright she’s handed down to me and to my child. Ladies, I love you and thank God for your presence in my life!❤️

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