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I woke up early Sunday morning on my 60th birthday… in a hotel room in Nashville, TN. Appropriate, really. I’ve always loved the town.

Leading up to the day, I felt ready for this milestone. It’s been an incredible month—our London trip, the recording of the London Symphony Orchestra… truly more than I could have imagined. For a while, I’ve been floating through clouds—some of fear, some of excitement and anticipation—with a bit of storm in the mix, holding my breath just a bit, hoping the world wouldn’t fall apart before our big recording day on April 9 at Abbey Road Studios.

And when our U.S. team and the London Symphony Orchestra players all arrived safely that day, I texted my husband:
“We’ve all made it… I think we’re going to have an album.”

There was this quiet wave of relief that connected us across the pond. He was exhaling right along with me. The clouds lifted, and I found myself “somewhere over the rainbow.” I couldn’t contain my joy.

So… it caught me off guard this past Sunday morning when I woke up with a phrase that felt entirely new—clear and unmistakable:

“If only I had known what is possible… sooner.”

And I began to weep.

Thankfully, my sister was there. She seemed a bit surprised at my sudden outburst, but instinctively wrapped her arms around me and simply let me cry.

She’s been by my side throughout my musical journey—from my childhood living room concerts to helping me prepare for Portraits of White performances, to Abbey Road, most recently. It’s been such a gift to have her with me every step of the way.

I didn’t hold back.

The day unfolded gently from there—breakfast at The Pancake Pantry (scrambled eggs and chocolate sin crepes 😊). When we hesitated just a bit—joking with the waitress about ordering such a dish—she grinned and said, “Well, we serve it… it’s up to you to pray over it.”
That felt about right.

Next, we experienced a beautiful service at First Baptist Church Nashville, with an organ/oboe prelude and a closing piece that included “Gabriel’s Oboe” with piano and orchestra. Of all the songs?!!!

More tears.

I’m pretty sure the church folks must have thought I was in deep spiritual need. I couldn’t quite explain that I was having one of those “over the rainbow” moments—which seem to be happening more often these days. Most of the tears were filled with joy… the kind that feels almost like liquid.

I came across a photo this week of my younger self—on my grandparents’ farm in Ohio, proudly holding a fire truck (not a doll… which feels about right 😊).

Maybe even then, I was reaching for something I didn’t fully understand yet.
It just took me a few years—maybe even decades—to catch up.

If I could say anything to my younger self—or to anyone coming behind me—it would be this:

“Learn what’s possible… and then go for it. As soon as you can.”

And oh… thank you for the many cards, messages, texts, and birthday wishes. I felt so loved.

💛

Frances

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