Three rows of comfortable chairs are lined up in semi-circles facing the keyboard. But the keyboard is so far away from them! And much too heavy to move. Well, I'll just have to make do and try to communicate across the void.
We sail into some old favorites: "Take Me Out to the Ball Game", "You Are My Sunshine", "Let Me Call You Sweetheart", "Down By the Old Mill Stream." I have to stop and tell them that my home town is Findlay, Ohio, the actual home of the Old Mill Stream. It's the Blanchard River, which has overflowed this last year and been in the news! They don't seem quite as excited as I am.
We do some favorite hymns. "Amazing Grace" always comes up first, then "How Great Thou Art." I play selections from ten different Broadway shows, letting them guess the show and the title. Right away I see where my music lovers are.
One distinguished gentlemen seems to know them all. I notice he's alone and wonder if he used to take his bride to see these shows. What must it be like to be left behind? There are always more women than men in these places, but I don't think Cupid is very active. As one woman said, "Been there, done that. Who wants to go back to cookin' and cleanin' up after someone?"
The hour goes quickly, and I thank these gracious folk for being such a good audience. Several ladies come up to thank me for coming. Then one lady says, "I wish you could play for us every day." I smile, and thank her. Then she holds my hand and gazes hopefully up at me. "Well, maybe you'll be in here soon and then you can play every day!"
I laugh half the way home. "Be in here soon." It sounds like she's in jail, hoping for company. And then I feel like crying. Maybe it does feel like jail to some of them. I guess we take personal freedom for granted, till we start to lose it. I think of their sweet smiles, their gracious appreciation for all who come to share with them. What dignity our seniors wrap around themselves like warm cloaks!
Do you know anyone "in there"? Go for a visit. You'll be the one receiving the blessing.
