MikeWrites' Blog

What A Wonderful World

The media prompt in today's Newsfeed--"What A Wonderful World"--reminded me, that the 44th anniversary of Louis Armstrong's death is a little less than a month away.  As a young boy, I'd heard him sing this song, along with "Hello, Dolly!", and I remember thinking he had a unique voice.  What captured my imagination, though, was his artistry with the trumpet.  He inspired me to take up that instrument in 5th grade, an avocation I pursued through high school.

I certainly never would have been as good as Satchmo, but I enjoyed playing.  One of the best parts of being in various school bands--concert band, marching band, etc.--was the variety of music to which I was exposed and which I had a chance to play.  It was great!  The absolute best part, though, was that I met my future wife in band my last year of high school.  Think about it: no Louis, no impetus to take up the trumpet.  No trumpet, no band.  No band, the real possibility that I don't meet my wife.  If that doesn't happen, then no daughters.  If I have no daughters, then say "Goodbye!" to three wonderful grandsons and two beautiful granddaughters.  From a not unreasonable point of view, Louis is partially responsible for the family I love and cherish.

So, "Thanks!", Louis.  A wonderful world, indeed.