My niece was sent to me to be my ward after her mother and father were killed in an automobile accident. She had real, raw talent as a pianist, and I implored my sister to get her the attention of a skilled piano instructor, but she did not want to pressure her daughter. When the accident happened, one silver lining was that I would be able to correct this, as I am a former concert pianist, retired due to an injury I sustained in the war. When she moved in I set a structured environment where I would tutor her in math, reading and the arts, followed by 6 hours of intensive rehearsals. Because she had come from a lax home environment, her attention at time would flag. I would regather her attention by loudly, and violently striking the top of the piano with my cane. She would become emotional, sometimes hysterical, but I kept on her and taught her in the best way I knew how. Today, she is an accomplished pianist who is well known in her trade, but she refuses to speak to me. I don’t care. I didn’t let her slack, and I forced greatness upon her. One day she will be grateful.