
The gentleman for whom I played today was one of those who helped gather the dead bodies from the shark-infested waters after the sinking. How do you do such things and not experience trauma? When man’s inhumanity to man is so intensely horrible, it’s hard to go forward, yet this man did for 72 more years. That means he must be in his 90s. I am sure his Faith has gotten him through. Yet now, a troubled heart of trauma makes his end days sad. I imagine he never received the opportunity to download and process in the way one might now.
And I, a mere harpist, sat there trying to reach to my depths and his, trying to choose music that might touch him. Midway through, I realized that here I am playing for one of our older vets on Veterans’ Day – rather unplanned, except by God, I’m sure. All I could think was…. “Blessings; Peace; Blessings; Peace.”
“Old Rugged Cross” brought distinct fond reminiscences to him, as I hoped it would, and his gruff voice tried to sound some of the chorus from “In the Garden.” “Edelweiss” brought him a touch of warm sentiment, and before you knew it I was through. I felt that I should have stayed all evening to play for such a one. I promised to come back – he said, “Any time.” I left with my fervent prayer for him until we meet again: Peace.