It feels as if my story began in 2015 when my husband Patrick and I welcomed our first child to the world and I became a mother. We are now a family of 6 as we have welcomed 3 more children into our home, hearts, and lives. Pat and I were both born and raised in Utah and we each originate from families with 6 children. It was love-at-first sight when we met, and in true Utah fashion we were married less than a year later. It's been almost 12 years since, and our lives are filled with joy if we know where to look for it. Of course, we’ve experienced what feels like our fair share of health issues, financial burdens and troubling diagnoses, but we do our best to not let those things define us or our happiness. Despite many setbacks, I have recently made the decision to go back to school and get a degree in Elementary Education. When I graduate in 2026 I will be a first-generation college graduate and I will be so proud of myself. I am already so proud of myself! It’s not easy to go to school with four young children, but I want them to know that their mom did something she felt was difficult and she finished. And it was worth it. Our oldest son is in 3rd grade and has found both joy and purpose in learning to play the piano—he has only been playing for two years and we are impressed with his dedication, love, and respect for the instrument. Our younger children are eager to start learning. Unfortunately, I was only able to take piano lessons for about a year before my teacher moved away and my parents could no longer afford the cost of lessons. After I’m done with my schooling, I’m hoping to continue piano lessons for myself. Fortunately, I married a man who loves music and who enjoys learning new songs on the piano. Most recently he purchased the music from Pride and Prejudice, and I’ve been graced with those sounds for the last few months. If our piano is chosen it will benefit my family and future posterity. Our piano belonged to my great-grandmother, Ruby Spence Archibald. Ruby received it as a gift from her father between 1910-1915. Ruby learned to play and loved sitting down and making music. Ruby’s daughter, my grandmother Carma, was only 3 years old when her mother Ruby passed away. Ruby was 26 years old. The attached photo of the elderly woman in front of the piano is my grandmother’s step-grandmother. My grandma said that her “new” grandma was the nicest person she ever knew. She was thoughtful and kind to my grandma after she lost her mom. My grandmother inherited the piano and learned to play well until her fingers could no longer move due to crippling arthritis. My mother then inherited the piano and it has found it’s way to me. It is passed down to the oldest daughter in each family. One of my children will inherit it one day. Being a mother can feel lonely but every time I sit in our front room and look at my piano, I’m reminded of the women who came before me and I draw strength from them. They all endured hardships and I’m sure that sometimes they wanted to give up... but they didn’t. I know it sounds cliché, but I feel close to heaven in the best way when I’m near or playing this piano. This piano is more than just an instrument. It’s a memory. Restoring it would help me preserve and pass on the memories and stories of my family’s past; Stories of courage, strength, and endurance. Stories of gentleness and love. Of course I will do this without the restoration, but I would be so grateful to win. Thank you for your time and consideration.
