Following my father’s death in April 1986, my mother gave me a portion of my father’s life insurance money. Although I had intended to put the money in savings and use it at some future time for my own family, the thought kept crossing my mind that there was enough money I could buy something I’d always dreamed about … a grand piano. I shared this thought with my husband, Peter. He suggested that we go "window" shopping. We went to the Piano Superstore in the Ogden City Mall. Soon Pete was drawn to a black Yamaha Grand Piano and called me over to look. I immediately loved it too. Although I was really 
excited about the prospects of getting a grand piano I kept wondering if the purchase was extravagant and selfish. We already had two nice pianos and I was really the only one who had much interest in playing. Pete suggested that we discuss the decision with our two children.
At a family meeting I shared my thoughts about purchasing a grand piano and tried hard to convince the kids how wonderful it would be. Incredibly, they didn’t buy my idea OR my rationale. They quickly expressed their own desires with fairly intense and logical reasons for why their ideas were much better for the WHOLE family. Our daughter, Whitney came to the conclusion that a four-wheeler would be much more fun for everyone and certainly would get a lot more use. Our son, P.J. figured that with that amount of money, our entire family could have a life time supply of really “cool” bicycles and other fun toys. After a lively family discussion Pete indicated that since we couldn’t come to an agreement we would have to vote. It turned out that I voted for the piano; Whitney voted for a 4-wheeler; and P.J. voted for bikes & fun stuff for everyone. At last when it was Pete’s turn to vote he very slowly and dramatically said, “Hmm … I think … it will be … a … grand piano!” With a few sighs of disappointment from the kids, the decision was made.
When the piano arrived you would have thought it was Christmas for Pete. I’m certain he was even more excited than I was.
I now look back on that treasured memory and realize what a great blessing it is to have a husband who finds so much joy in giving to others.
Having the Grand in our home rekindled in me a desire to learn more about music and improve my skills. I worked at memorizing music, a skill that had always been difficult for me. I studied and learned more about chord structure and music theory. I then began arranging hymns that I loved. I also composed my first song … which was written as a tribute to my Dad.
Although I certainly realize that pianos are inanimate objects, my Grand has grown to be like a wonderfully close friend. I’ve shared many tender moments with my Grand. When I’m by myself playing, I find that I can pour out all the feelings of my heart. My Grand listens without judgement and then reflects all my feelings back to me. I don’t even have to know the words for expressing those feelings … they just come out anyway.
Recently, a wise therapist told me that one of the reasons God created tears was so that pain could be washed away. I recall the many times I’ve sat on the bench of my Grand and cried … momentarily unable to continue the song. My Grand has been witness to some of my most intimate heartaches and grief. If pianos have souls, I hope God gave them a way to wash away their pain too, because my Grand has taken on a lot of mine.
As I have shared my pain and heartache with my Grand, I feel that in return I have received only peace, joy, and happiness. This reminds me of a similar process with my Heavenly Father. As I have shared my grief and pain with Him, He has given me 
peace, joy, and happiness in return. I marvel at the scripture given to Emma Smith as she was called to select hymns for the saints. In this scripture the Lord said, “For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.”
With my Grand, I have been able to pray the feelings of my heart … and I have been greatly blessed.