Esther Kreek has always been busy. When her late husband, Al, suggested she learn to play an instrument, she clearly told him, "I'm too busy with other things!" Her days were already filled with 4-H activities, teaching Sunday School, and making appearances as Bluebird the Clown.

And it was actually her stepson who wanted to learn an instrument, after seeing a hammered dulcimer performance at Silver Dollar City. He received a dulcimer as a Christmas gift from his parents, and Kreek found one under the tree for her, as well—a gift from Al.

Now that she had an instrument to learn, she was busier than ever. Taking lessons involved a 200-mile round-trip journey to Kansas City every week from Oregon, Mo.

Kreek admitted, "I practically gave up housework to practice."

The dulcimer is an ancient acoustical instrument played by striking the strings with lightweight wooden "hammers." The trapezoidal sounding board emits a shimmering sound, a cross between a piano and a harp.

Her stepson also learned to play, and they would play songs for each other over the phone (he lived in Maryland). Later they switched to exchanging tapes, and they still enjoy playing together during visits.

Kreek's first public performance was for a women's group that offered her a home-baked pie as her paycheck.

"I think it was pumpkin, because it was around Thanksgiving," she recalled, "and it was good."

Many of the songs she performs are folk songs settlers brought with them when they immigrated to America. Inspired by these traditional tunes, Kreek started performing at schools and historic sites. Dressed in period clothing, she would perform stories of traveling along the Oregon Trail as if she were living in the 1800s.

"I realized it was an interesting way to present pioneer history to children," she said.

That led to writing books about the songs and recording tapes to be sold at performances. Then Kreek began traveling across the country to historic sites and festivals, with Al as her travel manager. They both enjoyed visiting new places and meeting other members of the "dulcimer family."

After several years of this busy life, Al began to have memory problems; their worst fears were realized when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Now Kreek had to think and remember for both of them, so she orchestrated the move from their home in the country to the city, where they would be closer to doctors and family.

Kreek continued traveling and performing, making changes as needed to accommodate the challenge of being a full-time caretaker as Al's illness progressed. When it became apparent that traveling with Al at her side was too dangerous, she began a local "dulcimer camp" that brought students and performers to her for instruction and technique.

After Kreek arranged placement for her husband in a memory care facility, she kept her traveling to a minimum so she could visit him every day.

"It was important for me to be there," she said, "not just for Al, but for myself. I had to be with him."

Often she took her dulcimer and played for Al and the other residents.

When Al died in 1995, Kreek volunteered with the Alzheimer's Association, where she served with the speaker's bureau. Kreek also collected her experiences in a book, In the Shadow of Alzheimer's, which has been recommended by local doctors to patient's families.

"I wasn't looking to make any profit from the book," she said. "I want to inform others about the concerns of Alzheimer's."

A few years ago, an acquaintance remarked that Kreek had a remarkably positive attitude. She realized how true that was, so this widowed mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother began creating motivational programs that include songs performed on the dulcimer.

Kreek, 81, lives in Leawood. The central theme of her programs is, "Everything in life is a choice, and I choose to be positive."

To book a program or performance, contact Esther Kreek, who calls her business "Make Today Count." Call 913-400-3506 or e-mail estherkreek@aol.com. Her book and performance CDs are also available.

---