A Gig To Remember #2

Subject: A Gig To Remember #2
From: lloyd61
Date: 16 Sep 99 - 12:03 AM

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

Subject: RE: A Gig To Remember #2
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Sep 99 - 12:14 AM

Lloyd, that is beautiful. Thank you for sharing it with is. Isn't is wondrous what music and a loving heart such as yours can do?

katlaughing

Subject: RE: A Gig To Remember #2
From: lloyd61
Date: 16 Sep 99 - 12:55 AM

At times I wonder why I go out on a cold rainy nite to play music, then I get the answer! We have an interesting calling.

The song did not come over formated properly, but you will get the drift.

Kat... are you on this thing 24 hours a day?

Lloyd61

Subject: RE: A Gig To Remember #2
From: GeorgeH
Date: 16 Sep 99 - 07:09 AM

Thank you, Lloyd.

G.

Subject: RE: A Gig To Remember #2
From: Lorraine
Date: 16 Sep 99 - 07:17 AM

Lovely story-harkens back to much earlier threads on music therapy- Music does heal- and soothe and feed our souls. My oldest child occassionally would say Mom I think you should sing for a while when I was really growlly. Lloyd a truly touching event. Thank you-Lorraine

Subject: RE: A Gig To Remember #2
From: catspaw49
Date: 16 Sep 99 - 08:05 AM

Beautiful..........

Spaw---and yes lloyd, some of us seem to be real denizens here 24 hours a day.

Subject: RE: A Gig To Remember #2
From: Big Mick
Date: 16 Sep 99 - 08:24 AM

Man, oh man. Did you ever touch me with this one. It is exactly what I was looking for in the "Why we sing" thread. Doesn't it just grab you deep when you are able to connect in this way? If you keep singing, these will happen. Good man you are, Lloyd.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: A Gig To Remember #2
From: campfire
Date: 16 Sep 99 - 10:15 AM

A beautiful story, Lloyd61. And a beautiful song from it.

campfire

Subject: RE: A Gig To Remember #2
From: bobby's girl
Date: 16 Sep 99 - 06:20 PM

Lloyd - it sounds like you did a good thing there for Lisa. I hope her carers can build on your great beginning with more music. It must have been a very special moment for you

Subject: RE: A Gig To Remember #2
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Sep 99 - 08:08 PM

Ah, heck, Lloyd, you know the answer to that. It's like 'Spaw said. **BG** But, I just realised I forgot to answer your other question. Yes, my dad plays several instruments and sings. My mom played the piano and and, all 4 of their daughters sing, one teaches elementray music and plays several instruments, I used to play piano and violin, but need to practise and I love to sing. My brother, the only son, is a classical music and song composer.

Keep singing.

katlaughing

Subject: RE: A Gig To Remember #2
From: lloyd61
Date: 16 Sep 99 - 10:47 PM

Catspaw49........

I just realized we are denizens. Some times I wonder why I feel like I'm walking out of step with so much of our society. I'm a denizen. That must be it. I'm to old to change so this is the way I will live my life.

Thank you.

lloyd61

Subject: RE: A Gig To Remember #2
From: catspaw49
Date: 16 Sep 99 - 11:45 PM

Yeah lloyd, but you keep doing what you think is right and that's all that matters. Sometimes we make changes we don't expect by just doing what we think we have to do...and maybe we are denizens, but on this one you made a change, perhaps only for a moment, perhaps in a small way...but I've learned with age that those are the only ones you can affect alone. Ya' done good my friend.....

Spaw

Subject: RE: A Gig To Remember #2
From: catspaw49
Date: 16 Sep 99 - 11:48 PM

Yeah lloyd, but you keep doing what you think is right and that's all that matters. Sometimes we make changes we don't expect by just doing what we think we have to do...and maybe we are denizens, but on this one you made a change, perhaps only for a moment, perhaps in a small way...but I've learned with age that those are the only ones you can affect alone. Ya' done good my friend.....

Spaw

Subject: RE: A Gig To Remember #2
From: Marion
Date: 17 Sep 99 - 01:38 PM

Great song, Lloyd! I am hoping to work in a L'Arche home (group homes for mentally handicapped adults) and if so I expect music to be a big part of my time there, so I appreciated your story very much. Are you going back there? If so, please fill us in on what happens.

And since everybody else has been too unassuming to say it: I think the word you wanted in your song is "gentle", not "genital".

Marion

Subject: RE: A Gig To Remember #2
From: JedMarum
Date: 17 Sep 99 - 02:10 PM

very nice story and beautifl lyrics ... but don't you hate what spell check can do for your typos?? "gentle vs. genital" certainly planted some unintentional humor in your lovely post. I presume spell check, rather than Freud made the slip!

Subject: RE: A Gig To Remember #2
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Sep 99 - 02:39 PM

Spell check, who's got spellcheck when they're on the 'net!!!**BG** Not me!

Subject: RE: A Gig To Remember #2
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 18 Sep 99 - 03:51 AM

lloyd, thanks for sharing the story and the song. The power of music for good is truly amazing.

LEJ

Subject: RE: A Gig To Remember #2
From: wildlone
Date: 18 Sep 99 - 04:20 AM

a great story lloyd,ive worked with people with learning dificulties [enrolled nurse]it is the greatest feeling when you get a reaction like that, you are truly blessed.