Saturday January 8, 2011 was a sad day in Tucson and for the country. The massacre took place at the Safeway where my family shopped for many years. Our Congresswoman, Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head and is fighting for her life. 19 others were wounded. Six people are dead including a nine year old girl and a Federal Judge.

We sat, glued to our television, unable to really comprehend the reality what was unfolding. My friend Gretchen tweeted about her feelings of guilt for having been in rehearsals all day. My Son in Law found it hard to share our Granddaughter’s joy in playing in the snow for the first time.

Shortly after the Columbine shootings, I had a piano recital scheduled. I remember how worried I was that I would not be able to play my Mozart- the Sonata in A K. 331. It just seemed so wrong to be performing it. Funny, how I didn’t have any such concerns about the Liszt, Prokofiev, or Scriabin on the program.

Well, I did perform it, and somehow it was one of the best performances of my life. I think what I learned that night was that taking delight in life is a policy that also honors victims of tragedy.

Some participate in vigils, some come together to pray, some leave cards, flowers and tokens at the scene, some play Mozart (and blog).

What’s your policy?

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