Chapter 10
TEN
An excerpt from Orla Monroe’s interview with Estelle Lavigne
OM:
We’ve talked about how you got started with music, and it sounds to me like family has always played an important role in your life.
You mentioned your late husband and how he supported your journey to reach this point.
I understand he’s been gone a few years now and, in fact, one of the songs on your album is an homage to him. Can you say more about that?
EL:
I’m sorry, but all I’m willing to share about Greg is that he was a wonderful man who backed my musical aspirations one hundred percent. But it’s simply too painful to talk about his accident. I know he would have wanted me to move on, but that’s not easy when you lose the love of your life.
OM:
Of course, and obviously we’ll respect your request to keep that close to your heart.
But there is someone else who clearly has you wrapped around her finger.
And this is probably something our readers don’t know about you, but on top of being an amazing artist, you are a single mother of a darling little girl.
Are you hoping to pass on your talents to her?
Talk to me about what it’s been like to juggle this success with motherhood.
EL:
I think it’s safe to say that Francesca—Frankie—has been immersed in music since the day she was born.
She comes with me on the road, knows my whole setlist, and she’s recently taken to the piano quite well for a soon-to-be six-year-old.
We’re very close, and one of our favorite things to do on the road is sing old showstoppers at the top of our lungs.
So yes, she definitely has the Lavigne genes.
To answer the second part of your question, I believe it’s a myth that motherhood is limiting.
Because Frankie is with me all the time, there’s not much juggling necessary.
We go where the job takes me, whether to a nationally broadcast TV show or a local company picnic.
Of course, there are times when I need to work, but then she has her schooling books to keep her busy.
OM:
Yes, I understand you’re homeschooling her. What a superwoman.
EL:
The truth is that I wouldn’t have it any other way. I know it may seem unconventional, but this is what works for us. I love performing, and I love being Frankie’s mother. Life is too short not to listen to your heart, so why should I have to choose?
OM:
Well said. Is it motherhood that also allowed you to mine the emotional depth that’s made “My Only Child” strike gold do you think? A mother’s ability to imagine the greatest loss of all?
EL:
Yes, I would say so, only this particular song was borne not from imagination but out of necessity. I haven’t spoken about this before, but what I sing about happened to us. I almost lost Frankie when someone who was working close to me—someone I trusted—took her from me.
She was only a toddler at the time, and I’m bound by certain agreements not to divulge more details other than to say she was returned to me again after a two-week ordeal, but writing this song was my coping mechanism during those weeks.
That glimpse of loss and pain was something I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.
OM:
Oh my. You have me all choked up here, I’m afraid. You poor thing. I had no idea. It does speak volumes that you both have risen above and turned a horrendous experience into something that resonates with such a wide audience.
EL:
What can I say—Lavignes don’t dwell. We move with purpose.