As the author struggles to make an impact on the world today, she finds herself looking back on her past. In this essay, she analyzes experiences that hover around her musical upbringing and comes to the conclusion that they have all led her to the place she needs to be now. Early in life, music became a foundation from which she emerged. In playing the piano, she discovered a gift of self-expression as well as a daivning acceptance of herself as a person. Ironically, some things she used adamantly to reject have turned in retrospect into priceless treasures. By sharing these reflections that aspire to be insightful, comical at times, and inspirational, the author hopes that the reader will be led to think about his or her own past and to see the personal value of the meaning in the music.