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with a laugh. Tessa and husband Chris (Wilkinson), reside in Uxbridge. So do her parents. She has two sisters, Aman- da in London and Elaina in Since then, she’s been offered as much as $1,500 for, it but it’s not for sale. New fid- dles can cost up to $15,000, she Still. the ageâ€"old Question “She won the competition so many times, they finally made her a judge," Tessa says with a laugh. Tessa began taking lesâ€" sons at age four and later studied under the tutelage of Barrie’s Eleanor Townsend, for many years a champion fiddle player at the Shelbume Festival. Tessa’s parents, Tom and Theresa Lewis, excel on guitars. They’ve also sung as a vocal duo on many occasions. Tessa comes by her fid- dling talents honestly. Her great-grandfather, Stanley Lewis, was equally skilled. So was her grandfather, Harold Lewis. Recently, she performed with keyboardist Bill John- son at a concert at Stouffville United Church. But one thing hadn’t changed, her love of music, in particular, fiddle music. Prior to the accident, she was entering third year at Trent University in Peterbor- ough. Due to a long recov- ery period, she was forced to drop out. “They're excellent peoâ€" ple," she states, “after a two- and-a-half year hiatus, they welcomed me back, even re-trained me for a desk position.” Tessa admits, in aninstant, her whole life changed. In the same breath, she praises management and staff at Stouffi/ille’s Schell Lumber Ltd., where she works as a customer service advisor. “The Sunnybrook staff were wonderful; absolutely amazing," she says. Tessa admits she owes much to the skill of physi- cians and nurses at Sun- nybrook for improving her chances of returning to nor- mal life. “I don't remember much about it," Tessa says “I do know seat belts saved my life." She spent four Weeks in Toronto's Sunnybrook hos- pital followed by more than Me‘yeglsf recovery at home. The impact demolished her pick-up truck and left her with two broken legs, a bro- ken arm and other injuries. Seven years ago, D Tessa Lewis, then 21. was involved in a headâ€"on collision with a large moving van near Uxbljidge. Crash survivor plays thankful tune She spent four weeks in Toronto’s Sunnybrook hospital followed by more than two years’ recovery at home. hg’s lucky to be At the time. she realized its value, but others didn't. The instrument Tessa uses was purchased at an auction sale for $50. “I really enjoyed it," she says. So did the audience, according them a standing ovation. Tessa refuses to hide her admiration for Bill and Janet Johnson, describing Bill as a great guy and Janet as won- derful woman. The concert at Stouffville United is one of only a few times she and Bill have played together. A native of Uxbridge, Tessa played the baritone in her high school band. But her love of the fiddle persist- ed, even to instructing others while still in her teens. “You deal with what comes your way and keep going." she said. “Because of the accident, I’ve endured a lot of hurt, but, at the same time, I’ve enjoyed a lot of good." The good, she admits, is her return to Schell’s and an opportunity to continue her fiddle music. “I still suffer a few aches and pains, but nothing I can’t handle," she says. For a time, she feared she might lose the use of her left arm com- pletely. Fortunately, the nerve ends on fingers of her left hand were not adversely effected, giving her renewed hope her fiddling days could continue. arm, Tessa hasn’t allowed these setbacks to curtail her enthusiasm. In addition to concerts locally, she participated for a time at the Pine Ridge Blue- grass Club in Oshawa. She also did a short stint with the Good Brothers of Richmond Hill. Her goal is to serve in a studio back-up band and eventually cut a CD. “I’ll see where life leads," she says. Despite the fact she required seven operations, including several on her left Zephyr. A brother Tom lives at Sunderland. Bluegrass music is what Tessa enjoys most, an appeal inherited from her father. with Iim Thomas Jim Thomas is a Stouflin'lle resident who has written fbr area newspapers for more rhyr. A brother Tbm lives than 50 years. ageâ€"old question But Tessa Lewis would not be denied her dream. Seven years ago, this pos- sibility was in doubt. “As long as I'm éble, I'll keep on playing," she “it's part of what I am." “No difierence," Tessa explains. “Only the way it’s played." And that’s what Tessa intends, to keep doing. persists. What's the differ- ence between a fiddle and a violin? Wu.th COMPARE TO $69.95! 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