Beautiful Geniuses

 
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Another feature (www.beautifulgeniuses.com) that caught our attention recently. It's truly an honor to receive the attention and gratifying for us to see the impact Malachi has made and the response it has received over the years. We continue to strive for all things positive and invest our time in furthering and helping Malachi live out his dreams and to give back at the same time. Thank you all for your support!

 


One Night in Englewood

There have been many times in my life when I had to stop for a minute and enjoy the moment, and reflect on everything that lead to the magic that was happening before me. Earlier, I was rushing my family out of our house so we would not be late to the performance, Right when I was going to back out of the driveway Malachi yelled "stop, stop! I got it! I know what I'm going to give him! Let me out,.. Let me out!" Malachi ran back in the house and ran out with a red ribbon. Once underway, I said, so... your giving him a ribbon?!?! "No Daddy"... "My sticks! I'm giving Mr. D'Rivera my sticks!.." "My music, my spirit are in my sticks!.. It's like giving him a part of me, it's perfect!" All I could do is look at his little face through the rear view mirror starring down at his drum sticks.

That night during the concert, Paquito spoke to the audience before each song, sharing stories, jokes, and his wonderful laughter. Prior to his closing number he spoke about how he wrote this one particular piece for his best friend Dizzy Gillespie, and spoke of some of the good times they shared. He went on to express some of the challenges they overcame together, the days leading to Dizzy's passing, and being with him that last night in the hospital. As the audience was captured by the tale of the two men; Paquito introduced the song, "ladies & Gentlemen... One night in Englewood,.."

As Paquito started to count the song off, Malachi ran over to me and said "did you hear that?.. They were best friends!" I was amazed by the composition, it was as compelling as the story that preceded it, and as warm and complex as their friendship.

Later, back stage, a voice filled the room, "where is Malachi?!" Followed by that familiar laughter. Paquito has a way of making the whole room feel comfortable, you very quickly forget about the 11 Grammies. As he spoke to Malachi I tried to make my way across the room, but a crowed had gathered. Looking over the shoulder of one of the photographers, I made it just in time to see Malachi present his drum sticks to Mr. D'Rivera. Battered, dented, almost splintered, rapped with that red ribbon. Paquito was almost brought to tears as Malachi spoke to him. I could not hear the words, but I can see the impact of the words on Paquitos face. For the remainder of the evening Mr. D'Rivera kept Malachi by his side, through every interview, and photo, stoping only to speak to him and advise him. Drumsticks in one hand, and Malachi in the other, It wasn't a legend speaking to a child that night, it was a grandfather; speaking about school, about music,,.. And I can only imagine, yes,.. about Mr. Gillespie.

I myself never had the opportunity to meet Mr. D'Rivera that night, but I will always know him through my child's eyes.

No School, No Gigs, No Worries...

One thing about winter recess is that it's never long enough, from the last days of school to those few days closing out the year, it comes and it goes like an old familiar song. In between it's filled with those things that really matter. It always seems to arrive at a time when we need it most, a time when the world seems to be spinning too fast and we just want to get off, if just for a moment. Often, it arrives with the seasons first snow, a blanket of possibilities, endless and pure. We can't help but to see the world though the eyes of our children, lights and all.

This winter recess was truly transitional, bringing with it the many lessons of 2012, from Gabriel Douglas (Golden Gabby), showing every child in the world what is possible, to the wonder of Felix Baumgartner who flew a balloon to the edge of space then jumped to Earth. 2012 shared the historic re-election of President Obama, a night that held the whole world captive. Along with the incredible, wondrous, and historical, through my child's tear filled eyes I also saw the horror of Sandy Hook, and had to answer the question "Why Daddy"?.. As parents we instinctively strive to protect our children's innocence, their most precious resource. Once lost, innocence can't ever be found or replaced, and because of this we can't help but to think how much of it was left behind in 2012,.. but we also can't help but wonder what incredible, wondrous, and historic things awaits them in 2013,.. but for now; no school, no gigs, no worries...

New Horizons

As the 2011/2012 school year came to a close, the number of invitations for Malachi to perform increased. We agreed the only things we would say yes to were the things that would benefit children the most, and make time for summer. Along with bicycle riding, swimming, twilight runs to catch fireflies, and all the joys of summer. Malachi was growing, learning, and had questions for every observation. For a while it felt like the theme to this summer was "Daddy why is it..?" As a parent I wanted to help guide him through his findings, but I didn't want to give him the answers; answers are oftentimes self evident, and come in time, and some should not be forced.

We decided to have him raise and release praying mantis. Malachi cared for the egg for six weeks, supplying shelter and maintaining a suitable climate. A napkin filled paper bag served as a nest, and a low hanging leafed branch help with the elements. This stimulated weeks of conversations as we checked on the welfare of the egg, and finally, one morning.... Happy Birthday!

The Mantis help control the pest population in our yard and gave Malachi a clearer understanding of the balance of nature and our place in it. Right when we thought we had it all figured out; it was September! The first day of school,.. 3rd Grade, new horizons, new adventures, new questions.