Leaving a Legacy

by Gabi Krieger

As half of you know, I was able to make the delightful trek to Colorado this Christmas for a family reunion in Palmer Lake, just an hour north of Colorado Springs.

Our trip started with an overnight at the airport since our plane was delayed for three hours (for those of you that warned me about Christmas Eve flying…you were right!) Before I get too deep, you deserve some context of the Krieger family.

My Grandma and Grandpa have been musicians their entire lives, and went to college for music. They traveled the US singing and performing in churches and at camps with their three children before adopting my dad, completing their family of six. Of course, that meant music was as much a part of their children’s lives as it was theirs, so much so, that their family ensemble was dubbed “The Kriegers”.

Piano, guitar and vocal has been a part of every family get together since, and these are no small get togethers. This year, with cousins married and children being born, we had forty Kriegers present! Of course, this meant we had to share our music during the most joyful holiday of them all - Christmas.

If you’ve never been in a room full of forty people who can carry a tune without any rehearsal, singing “Angels we have heard on High”, let me tell you. I cry every time. Tenors, sopranos, alto, baritone voices in a capella, full of love for each other, whether blood related or not, is a gift I can’t begin to describe.

I thought to myself…why does this work? I know not every family is so lucky. My dad’s adoption could have taken a very different turn. But it’s obvious! They love unconditionally, and they set an example. It all started with my grandparents showing us all the gift of music by making it present in their daily life. Now, regardless of our age or stage of live, we want to participate, because we see the joy that it brings. Now, eighty three years later, my grandparents have left a legacy.

What legacy will you leave your family? You have a great start for 2024!