It once made ammunition for the U.S. military. Now it makes music – and sculptures, and paintings. Where once there was the clang-clang-clang of metal being forged into bullets, there is now the ping-ping-a-ding of a ride cymbal setting the pace for a saxophone solo.
The Arsenal Center for the Arts, on the site of a former munitions arsenal in Watertown, is home to theater, creative art classes, visual art exhibitions, artist forums, and musical performances. On one Monday night a month, it is home to the Jazz at the Arsenal series, featuring faculty members from the renowned Berklee College of Music.
Three years ago, my wife and I headed to the hospital. We prayed for a safe delivery. After being admitted, we waited. A few hours later we celebrated the birth of our son, Silas. What can possibly compare to hearing your child take his first breath of life?
Yesterday morning my wife put three candles in a cinnamon roll. We sang Happy Birthday. We celebrated after Silas blew out all three candles in one breath. Last year, Silas could not blow out candles. Blowing out candles is a big milestone for any child carrying around an extra chromosome in every cell of his body. Silas's big brother and sister cheered. Mommy and Daddy were filled with pride. Silas gave himself applause (he likes to clap his hands), and he laughed.
