How about piano recitals?
When I was about nine I took piano lessons. I had to stay after school to do my practice, as my parents were hardly wealthy enough to own one... but I enjoyed the time alone after school with the piano anyway. I was certainly in no hurry to go home.

I had been taking lessons for the entire school year and had gotten reasonably good at it, for someone who had only been playing for about eight months. I was quite proud of my abilities, and would happily play for my teacher.

Then she told me of the upcoming piano recital. All of the parents would be there.

I looked forward to this in the same way that one looks forward to appearing in court. The very thought of performing in front of my parents gave me a lump of limestone in my belly... but they were expected to be there. So I told my mum, who then passed the word to my father.

The recital was on a Friday. I put on my best clothes, such as they were, and was seated in the front with the other students. I could feel my parents' presence behind me, but didn't turn to look. Finally it was my turn.

I rose, went to the piano in the front and played my piece flawlessly. My teacher beamed at me when I was finished, and the polite applause was a gentle wave of relief that swept through me. I got up and turned to go to my seat, and as I did I saw my parents get to their feet. Mum gestured for me to follow, so I got my coat and went with them.

It turned out that Dad was missing his football game on television and was impatient to get back.

I've not played piano since.
(Shimrod, Fri 27 Mar 2009, 15:30, 4 replies)

o_0
Fuuuck. Some people.
( Jessie © needs pirate name suggestions, Fri 27 Mar 2009, 20:01, closed)

It was not one of his finer moments.
There is a reason that he and I seldom speak. In fact, there are quite a few reasons. And Mum, for all her good intentions, is not much help as she never stands up to him.

Ah well, that's why they're still in Kent and I'm elsewhere.
(Shimrod, Fri 27 Mar 2009, 21:33, closed)

piano
That seems so sad!
I hope you still play, and i hope you can work out the relationship with your family!
(grumpynurse ,is playing minigolf on, Fri 27 Mar 2009, 22:21, closed)

That
is a real shame. It isn't too late to take it up again you know.
Go on. Buy a cheap keyboard to play with to start.
(Prof. Moriarty put his foot in it on, Sat 28 Mar 2009, 0:50, closed)