December 10th, 1995 (Sunday)

Christmas was almost there, and everyone was excited about the chores for the celebrations.

Andrea woke up early. Ollie was still sleeping, and she left without making noise. It was Sunday and he needed to rest a lot. At night, he had a performance with his band at a nightclub and the concert would end late. They lived in the beautiful guesthouse designed by the architect her father had hired. It looked like a doll's house. She went to the main house to have breakfast with her parents.

─ Good morning, dad.

Robert flipped the paper and Andrea greeted him with a kiss. Her father seemed to have become even prettier with age. Some gray hair was already decorating his brown curls.

─ Good morning, honey. Are you feeling well?

─ Yes, very well and starving. I need to control myself not to eat so much.

─ You're great, but it's always good to take care of yourself.

─ Dad, I wanted to know if there's a possibility for us to have a performance at the hospital next week. I haven't been able to comply with the gypsy's requests yet. My initial idea is to go room by room, only with chords instruments, and sing Christmas songs that can bring joy to the patients specially the children. This way, we could see the acceptance of the hospitalized people. If we get a positive reaction, we could have weekly shows at the hospital next year. What do you think of the name Music in Health Project? I'm thinking of making my final college essay about this theme and monitoring the health of the patients exposed to music could help me to make a case.

─ It seems very interesting, honey. Next week's presentation is easy to get, but a bigger project needs study and approval of the board, even if there's no cost. We must keep in mind that we are dealing with sick people. Although, what really worries me is you. I think your biggest project should be taking care of this little girl there in your belly for her to arrive healthy. You already have classes, tests and college assignments, a husband and a "doll's house" to take care of. Don't you think it's too much?

─ I understand your concern, sir, but remember that I follow guidelines from above. Andrea pointed to the sky and completed her statement.

─ I must start preparing the field for Mary Claire to keep up the work.

Robert was not convinced and countered.

─ I think that you will have plenty of time for thatwhen she is older. But I don't want to contradict to a womanpregnant with my granddaughter, who will have a spiritual intelligence aboveaverage. You and your mother, when you want something, there's nothing that canmake you change your minds. This week, I'll bring up the subject during the meetingwith the board. Call Louise tomorrow and ask her to book the Christmas performancesnext week and arrange the badges.

─ Thank you, dad. You're awesome. You know, I can't imagine you being a grandpa. You will be the hottest grandpa alive.

─ I appreciate the compliment, honey. However, I think you should look for and ophthalmologist. Your vision may be kind of blurry.

Andrea laughed at his comment. Her father neverrealized how handsome and smart he was. In his simplicity, he transferred allhis glamour to his wife and was proud to see her shining. But who knew himclosely thought that he was just as unique and special as his beloved wife.

Andrea felt blessed for having Robert as a father. God also blessed her with a husband that was another precious human being. Her soul awoke exhaling gratitude.

She waited for Ollie to wake up and talked to him about the project. She could sing while he played. She would talk to her mother and her sibling to include them on the team as well. Since everyone would be on vacation, they could do at least three Christmas performances. She wanted to start by the children's unit. Ollie gave her all his support. She knew that it was the mission expected for them to accomplish. Later, Andrea talked to her mother, grandma, and the twins. They all agreed in participating in the project.

Next Monday morning, they entered the children's unit at the hospital to sing and play for the hospitalized kids and their escorts. Andrea got emotional once she saw their bright eyes and big smiles, even from those who were in critical condition.

She had asked Louise to guide the nurses to monitor the patients before and after the performances to check for any improvement. They stayed about ten minutes in each place. They needed two more hours to go to every room and didn't even get to visit the I.C.U. If there was a suitable area, the performances could last longer and be seen for more people. That was her plan for next year.

On Christmas night, they were all at the farm, which was decorated with many lights and a huge tree on the garden in front of the front porch. Another small tree was put on the room to keep the presents. Now, the big family was already with twenty-three people.

The twins and the four kids of Edward and Louise were just now the children of the family and were eager to open their gifts.

At midnight, they all sat in the living room to receive their packages. Andrea got plenty of baby stuff, but nothing was more special than an envelope she got from Louise's hands.

Once she opened, she found a report with graphics that showed a significantly improvement of the patients after the musical performances. Andrea couldn't hold her emotions and hugged Louise.

Yes,now she had understood her mission and would do anything to fulfill it in thebest possible way and leave the path ready for Mary Claire.