The Story of Our *FREE* Piano...

“Happiness often sneaks in a door you did not think was open.”

One year ago, Isla and I went to check out a FREE used piano posted on craigslist. It was a belated birthday present to celebrate a year of her taking lessons! Our whole rambunctious family went along for the drive, but only Isla and I were tasked with going inside so we wouldn't overwhelm the current owners. We found our way to their cozy home in Minneapolis. As we proceeded into their family room, we received an unexpected and joyful greeting from their four-legged family member, Lola. A sweet 2-year-old mini goldendoodle! Isla went gaga over her (of course :) Eventually, we did look at the piano, play it a little, and decide it was a keeper! We drove away with a plan to schedule professional piano movers. We also drove away thinking about that pup...

I thanked the family again via text message, arranged a piano pickup date, and then... hesitantly asked where they adopted Lola. I surprised myself with this inquiry since we weren’t planning to get a puppy, and historically, I was the stop gate in all “can we get a dog?” conversations. Isla had petitioned for a pet for years, even questioning, “How am I supposed to be a veterinarian when we don’t have any animals?!?”

Lola’s mom eagerly provided her breeder information. Then, only a few days later, she sent me information about a brand new litter. She knew this because she was driving home from the breeder after picking out a puppy (from a different litter) to surprise her family for Christmas!

Fast forward to New Year’s Day, and we were again taking a family drive... this time down to Rochester to visit the 3-week-old litter. Oh my cuteness! It was hard to back out then. One smaller pup ventured out of the huddle and approached my slightly intimidating husband, Hannes. After he picked her up, she proceeded to lick his face. And just like that, we knew who our next family member was going to be! Meet Kona.

We joyfully welcomed her home mid-February.

Looking back, it all happened SO fast and unexpected!

Unlike our Kona story, it seems that many of the fast and unexpected scenarios this year have been very challenging and downright heartbreaking. Our heavy hearts have needed to grieve. The losses have been overwhelming at times. Perhaps you've still been able to find some silver linings in all of it.

My hope with sharing this story is to remember that some of the most joyful situations also stem from the fast and unexpected. A free piano turning into a puppy?!? Why not hope for the best in 2021? Let's dream big. ;)

Kona and I wish you health, peace, and lots of serendipitous joy in the year ahead!