Nine days ago, I wrote about a new piece my teacher Lieven has given me – an unnamed “étude” … Number 17.  A piece that is meant to teach a technical aspect of playing the cello.

I usually struggle with the notes and finger positions.  Lieven emphasizes listening to the melody, letting it have its way with me, allowing it to seep inside my pores.  He offered to record himself playing the two-minute piece and send it to me on WhatsApp.  He kept his word.

I replied: “Thank you, Lieven.”

And he replied: “Graag gedaan, Bruce.”

I didn’t know what that meant … so Google Translate to the rescue.

The first translation: “You’re welcome”

Of course.  Being polite.

The second translation: “Don’t mention it”

I know what people mean when they say this: “It’s not a big deal” or “No thank you is needed.”

But I got to thinkin’ as I looked at those three words.  Of how often we human beings don’t say things that we want to say.  We stay silent, perhaps worried about how the other person would respond.

I’m not saying to speak in a cruel way.  A friend has gained weight and you say “You’re fat.”  No.

I think we people need to express, to say things that are important to us.  And ask the other one what they’re interested in.

To be curious about other lives

To share our own

To make contact

So … I say … mention it