A parishioner's need inspired this. He was stuck in hospital awaiting scary test results for an update on his already-scary diagnosis. I left him a spare MP3 player with audiobooks loaded, to get him through the long nights. Hardi also has done something similar-- takes his fiddle to call upon nearly-deaf people who have not been able to hear music for years, and plays for them, close enough so that they can hear it. It's not unlike handing a set of headphones to someone without comment-- the music reaches in, past fears of technology, and past humble "good manners" that would assure us that they're "just fine." The look on their faces when they hear-- that's where the truth shows.


Well, similarly, from time to time Mudcatters are dealing with something tough. I have a few more spare players this week than I did the week I lent one to that parishioner. I already wish I had used a disc-player I used to rely upon, in the same way. I'm so busy now though that I do not always know who, around here, might need a player and might not already have one handy. But a little soothing music or a few non-challenging audiobooks can be amazingly helpful when we ourselves cannot be there in person. So if you know of anyone who may need one of these, please PM.

And if you have any used gear lying around that I can coordinate, I'd be glad to do it. I can cover shipping costs to send them along from here (and choose one of the right complexity for the user).

My policy will be that where there is need, I will send what I can. I'll ask recipients to pass theirs along when they can. If anyone wants to make Mudcat donations in connection with this, fine.

Thanks,

~Susan