Ukulele

I began learning ukulele 1 year after I got married and moved to Hawaii from Japan. Until then I loved music but I have never learned to play any instruments. I started thinking about learning ukulele because of my mother-in-law.

My husband's parents live in a small town called Pahala on the Big Island. My mother-in-law plays the organ for many decades at her church. Besides Sundays, special occasions she goes to play the organ at church. While visiting my in-laws she practices the organ. The organ is open and music is ready to be played at anytime.

My mother-in-law turned 80 years old and was beginning to lose her vision and strength in her legs. So I thought that with all that comes with age she wouldn't be able to do anything except take care of herself. I made a mistake in thinking that way. Her music is needed for her community and her church, everyone really counts on her. Now that I know this, my feelings are so much closer to her and longs to be closer.

I wanted to start playing some sort of musical instrument. I felt as though I wouldn't be able to play the piano or the organ, but felt that the ukulele would be possible for me to learn.

My mother-in-law is now pleased. We can look forward to many happy times playing together.

(YumikoS)