With All Your Might

It was a special program for residents at the retirement center.

Several individuals had been invited to participate.

One young woman brought her violin.

Melissa had decided to play Pinto’s “Run, Run!” on the piano. “It’s a happy song, and they will like it,” she explained. The program went very well.

At the conclusion, Melissa and the violinist walked around, greeting each guest. Approaching a distinguished-looking lady in a wheelchair, Melissa held out her right hand for a friendly handshake. The woman stretched out her left hand and took Melissa’s. Looking at the violinist, the woman said, “I used to play first chair in the symphony. Unfortunately, a stroke damaged my right hand.

I miss the violin and loved hearing yours.

Sometimes I still play in my imagination.” “Once a violinist, always a violinist,” said the young woman. “Let’s play something.” “I don’t have my right hand,” the woman replied, softly. Standing behind the wheelchair, the violinist placed her violin in the woman’s left hand. Holding the bow in her own right hand, the violinist said, “OK, what do you want to play?” Startled, the woman named a familiar violin solo.

Melissa watched, fascinated.

The young woman bowed; the older woman fingered the strings.

It was hauntingly beautiful.

The other residents stopped in their tracks as they listened intently. One violin. Two musicians. One using her right hand; the other, her left.

A collaboration. A duet. Playing in harmony.

Connecting with the music —and with each other. When the last notes of the song floated away, the woman’s face was wet with tears. “The best gift,” she whispered, handing back the violin. “How did you think to do that?” Melissa asked as they left. “It was simply wonderful!” “I read about a man who did that for his father,” replied the violinist. “I am always looking for ways to help people. Happy it worked so well today.” Everyone has a talent. You do, too. Are you using yours to bless others? Yielding your hand to God’s whatever is truly the “best gift.” Especially when you do it with “all your might.”

Arlene R. Taylor