Priscilla "Mom" Pike

the duet: "The Ash Grove," a Welsh folk song, as remembered by Mom

Singing on family car trips was always encouraged by my mom. She loved to harmonize when we sang songs like "The Ash Grove." Though, we, as kids, were not always enthusiastic to sing, for Mother's Day 2016, a car ride with Mom seemed appropriate ... to sing, to hear her harmonize, and to see her smile of joy.

choosing a song: "It's such a pretty song."

Marilyn, Priscilla, and Janice Ames

When I asked Mom what she wanted to sing for Duets with Friends, she chose "The Ash Grove," a Welsh folk song which is perfect for harmony. She had learned the song from her sisters Jan and Marilyn when she was 10 years old. She then taught the song to Tom, Heidi, and me during numerous family trips in the car during our childhood.

the conversation: a life of harmonies

Rehearsing the title role for "When Betsy Ross made Old Glory" (1945)

Mom has always loved to sing—and harmonize. As a child, she sang cowboy songs with her sister Marilyn and a solo in "When Betsy Ross made Old Glory." As an adult, she sang summer camp songs during family car trips and continues to harmonize to the inspirational hymns at her church. Mom is always ready to lift her voice in song.

"I love it when I hit the right notes and it does make harmony. That's very satisfying—a satisfying thing to make that second melody."