You are me! Close in age, identical in our beliefs regarding our (lack of) ability to sing. I even started lessons as well, at age 63! My blocking issue didn't involve a mother who wouldn't sing, however, but a mother who was an opera singer! An opera singer who never encouraged ME to sing, so I assumed I couldn't. I certainly couldn't match my mother. But, like you, I YEARNED. I yearned and, finally, sang oh, WTF. I WILL. Nevertheless, mixed with the joy is insecurity. Only this morning, I asked my partner for the thousandth time, does my voice sound sucky? I know it doesn't - but...Anyway, I loved this piece. Music has played a huge role in my life, as I recount in my bio for Illumination - just published yesterday. Gotta love synchronicity! Thank you.