The Hospital Atrium
The last notes of Tiny Dancer echo and fade into the rafters of the Augusta Hospital atrium. I hear clapping and peer over the top of the music stand at the piano. An old man in a wheelchair is attempting to wheel closer to me and get my attention.
“Would you like to come over by me, sir?”
He nods emphatically. As I approach him, he whispers conspiratorially, “I’m on prison break!”
“Oh yeah?” I chuckle.
“I used to play that for my girlfriend! Back in those days, we didn’t have sheet music, we just had to know how to do it!”
“That’s amazing!” I concur. “What else do you know?”
“Hmm, let’s see. I’ve got a bunch of Elton John and Billy Joel…” I show him as I scroll through the list on my iPad.
An Impromptu Duet
“You got Piano Man? Let’s hear that.”
“Absolutely! You gotta sing, though!” I make him promise.
He smiles as the intro begins. He starts with the words to the chorus rather than the verse, but catches himself after a few bars. I prompt him every few lines. The chorus drops and he gains confidence, singing out in a fine tenor. We finish the entire song, and I notice a nurse come in during the last verse, standing quietly behind him, smiling.
Back to Reality
“Did you enjoy your prison break?” She asks.
He startles and looks over his shoulder. “Yes! Now, when do you usually come?” He inquires, turning back to me.
“Tuesdays and Thursdays, but I’ll be gone for the next two weeks.”
“Two weeks, huh? Well, I hope to be outta here by then. Well thank you, ma’am, you play very well.”
“I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Have a good afternoon.”
He’s wheeled away into endless corridors, and I bask in that wonderful reminder of why I love this gig.
Cafeteria Reflections
I head up to the third-floor cafeteria for a bite before I head home. Burrito guy calls from across the service bar, “Piano lady! Nice job on Sky Full of Stars today!”
I walk over to receive a fist bump. “Thanks burrito guy. Y’all make it worthwhile.”
From the cafeteria, I enjoy an enticing view of the Shenandoah valley. This place, its people, and its opportunities have given me beautiful gifts.
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