Good on ya, Kat!

Back in November 2000, there was a thread on "Your proudest moment as a musician." I posted a moment of my own, then went on to add the following. I thought it might be appropriate to pass it on to you:

. . . I feel impelled to recount an experience of music therapist Esther Littledove John, a local native-American woman who plays the flute, composes, and is a powerful advocate of the healing power of music. She and a woman who often accompanies her (guitar/Celtic harp) frequently play in retirement homes, hospitals, hospices, and nursing homes. After their main performance in the dining room, lounge, chapel, or whatever, they usually go up and down the halls and play for people who are bed-ridden or who, for whatever reason, are unable to attend.

On the occasion she was telling me about, she and her accompanist stopped outside the room of an old gentleman who sat motionless, staring out of the window. They spoke, but he said nothing, just continued to stare. A passing nurse or attendant said, "Don't waste your time on him. He's in a world of his own. He just sits there and stares out the window. He hasn't responded to anyone or anything in two years."

Not to be deterred, they started to play. After several minutes, Esther said she noticed a slight movement. He was patting his foot in rhythm to their music! When they finished the piece a few minutes later, he turned slowly and looked at them.

"He was completely toothless," Esther said, "and he smiled the most beatific smile I have ever seen!"

"That," she said, "is one of the reasons I do what I do."

That's great, Kat. Go for it!

Don Firth