A Gig to Remember #2

The Story of Lisa

A friend call and asked if I would fill in for him at a home for challenged Adults,. I asked. what are "challenged Adults"? He informed me that I would know them as "Retarded Adults". He said that it should be a 20 minute set which should include a few songs and a story. He said you don't get paid but you will experience the most enthusiastic audience you will ever have. The only advise he had for me was not to treat them as children, the music should be songs they know such as "Michael Row the Boat Ashore." I've never sung "Michael Row…" but why not.

I followed his instruction and arrive 15 minutes early. A staff member escorted me to a large room with about 50 chairs in a big circle. At 7:00 P.M. sharp the doors opened and the residents came in, one staff member for every two residents. Excitement filled the air, I have never felt such a feeling of expectation on the part of a audience, except for Lisa, she seamed "disconnected". The staff member who escorted Lisa into the room held her hand to keep her tethered to the moment. She sat directly across from me. She looked to be in her teens, blond , blue eyed, and very slim. Her appearance reminded of my own daughter Lisa.

I was introduced and we started to sing, Michael Row…… The room was filled with voices, all singing in a different key. Correct words were not important to this group, what counted was volume. We sang our hearts out, except for Lisa, she remained disconnected. We sang a second song, a song they never heard before, but that did not stop them, they joined right in, except for Lisa, she continued to be disconnected. It was now time for a story, I read from the book "The "Giving Tree". They scooted their chairs up close to see the pictures, except for Lisa, she stayed in place disconnected, but still tethered by a loving hand. After the story it was time for a closing song and good byes. One by one they came up to shake my hand and say Thank You, except for Lisa, She sat in her chair still totally disconnected. After every one had left with their staff members, Lisa stood up and started to walk forward, slowly, Pigeon toed, and a little off balance. Her staff member looked surprised. A second staff member came up to walk on her other side. The two staff members looked at each other as Lisa continue to walk toward me. It was obvious that something was happening. I sat frozen in my chair with my guitar in my lap. All I new to do was smile at Lisa. Our eyes met for the first time, she finally made a connection. As she made her approach the staff members seamed to be confused. I said to myself "Keep Cool Lloyd". Lisa continued to come even with the couching of the staff members to say "Good Bye", even the encouragement of " Ice Cream Time" did not deter her. She kept coming until she stood directly in front of me. I looked up, deep into her eyes. Searching for something to say but words did not come. All I could do was smile. I found my head slowly moving up and down with an indication of YES. I said to myself "Yes Lisa its OK". Lisa then gently reached out and touched my beard. She then smiled for the first time, turned and walked out toward the door. I was then alone in the room. I just sat there wanting to hold the moment, I felt as I was touched by an "Angel Unaware".

The directory came in to say Good Bye. I asked, did something happen here tonight? She said "yes, Lisa touched you." She told me that Lisa was brought in a month ago. The home had very little information about her background, they only know she is approximately 3 years old mentally, but at this time they did not know the cause. Her potential growth is also in question. "Tonight, for the first time she acknowledge someone, you, this is a good sign" the director said as she walked me to the door.

I went home wondering "Lisa who are you, where did you come from and where are you going"? Lisa you touched me tonight more than anyone will ever know.

LISA
L.H.Michalsen

Chorus……..
Lisa where are you going, Lisa where have you been
Lisa your Gods chosen spirit. Thank you for letting me in.

Eyes like diamonds that glitter in the light
A smile so pure, so full of delight
A genital fragile touch innocent and profound
A spirit that soars while tethered to the ground.

The clouds in your eyes do not hide the stars
The quite genital spirit does not hide the scars
The soft tender touch does not hide your fears
The smile on your face does not hide the tears.

Gods sent us a gift for us to hold
The wonder of creation is our to behold
A special person, God formed that day
In the Image of God you were created that way.

Mudcat Friends....

Thanks for letting me share this. I needed to tell this story to someone. I thought some of you may relate to this experence.

Lloyd61