The Guitarman

Here is Matt's first guitar.

Ah no, scratch that. If we count the plastic toy guitar my cousin gave him as birthday present last year (but which was already broken), this is actually not his first.

But this is his first next-to-the-real-thing guitar. With only four string, this works just like one.

We call it a ukelele.

I bought one after Matt showed some fascination with bands and rockistas with guitars he would see on TV.

While I was out working one day, and while he was playing with a microphone (real mike), he surprised everyone in the house by saying "Ah want-ta guitar." Now, Matt had never asked for anything before. He's always just contented playing with his old toys (which are mostly presents from our relatives). So when he said that, my sister excitedly called to tell me about it.

But it was several days after that when I finally decided to get one for him (as I was still observing him - I hope that doesn't make me a bad mama). In between those days, I would often hear him say "Tito Mike. Tito Alan. Sing. Guitar" although not usually in that order.

It was his constant mentioning of my brother and my cousin (who are both playing musical instruments) that finally convinced me.

So happy was he that he could hardly part with it on that first day.

Strumming my heart with his fingers...