Terrifying Moments

Yesterday I witnessed one of the most terrifying moments of my life.

Over the last 3 days, I have been very fortunate to have my first trumpet teacher visiting Guanajuato. It's always nice to have someone to talk with who plays the same instrument as you. I started playing trumpet (cornet) the summer before I started 6th grade. The biggest advantage I have enjoyed as a trumpet player is having a father who was a trumpet player. Before I had ever pressed this crazy piece of brass tubing against my face, I already had many ideas in my head as to how it could sound.

My father Steve, was taught by his father Melvin Pettit. I never heard my Grandfather play. I did hear and eventually played with my father many many times. My father is a professional photographer, although he has played trumpet at a professional level ever since he was a student at Arlington (TX) High School in the late 60's. The trumpet was always the #1 instrument played at my house on our record player. Symphonic or jazz, it didn't matter, the music always had a trumpet flavor. My father is still playing and he currently leads the Swing Time big band in central Texas.

I have been in love with the trumpet for about as long as I can remember. My father is the person who started this very long love affair.

Yesterday the girls and I were showing my father and his wife Robbie around our land when I heard something and looked over to see my youngest daughter Rose underneath a horse who seemed to be tap dancing. Rose was looking directly at me. I didn't know what to do. I screamed and ran towards the bucking animal.

Rose, my sweet Rose came out with just a hoof sized scrape across the middle of her back. She didn't even cry as I held her in my arms.

It was one of the most terrifying moments of my life.