So often as parents, we want others to see our children as we see them:
Beautiful.
Amazing.
Overflowing with possibilities.
That’s what we see. Right? It’s why we can spend hours watching our babies sleep, talk incessantly about how our little ones perfected their own versions of crawling and probably why our social media feeds contain hundreds of images and videos of our most cherished everyday moments.
Yes! Our children are beautiful, amazing, and overflowing with possibilities. You know it. But, you may not know the name of a person who spent the past 30 years—and her life’s best work—devoted to creating the Kindermusik community where we invite—and celebrate—every beautiful and amazing child into the Kindermusik circle (or running around outside of it or sitting quietly in a parent’s lap).
Carol Penney.
That’s her name. While you may not know her name, you know the community that she was instrumental in creating. You know the songs and the lessons that she helped craft. You know the Kindermusik educator that she trained, encouraged, and inspired. Yes, you may not know her name—Carol Penney—but you do know her.
She is beautiful.
She is amazing.
She is overflowing with possibilities—
both during her 30 years at Kindermusik and now as she enters semi-retirement.
So, while we may sing the “Good-bye” song to Carol, it isn’t really good-bye. After all, we know that just as a Kindermusik class doesn’t really end after that final song, Carol’s contributions to Kindermusik will continue throughout the rest of the week, months, and years to come. And we are better people for knowing her.
Thank you, Carol, for giving us all a Good Beginning that Never Ends. Here are just a few reasons why you are loved the world over.
Contributed by Lisa Camino Rowell, who counts Carol as a friend, mentor, and colleague. Carol, you are loved more than these words can express. Thank you for sharing your gifts and your heart with us all.