Posted on 07/13/2009 9:12:58 PM PDT by thecodont
Alexander Knecht unpacked his violin and sheet music and slipped into Marvin Baker's dimly lit hospital room.
"Hello, Mr. Baker, is it OK if I play a hymn for you?" he asked brightly.
The 81-year-old patient, bedridden by a series of illnesses and unable to respond, stared blankly at the wall.
Knecht lifted his bow and played "Rock of Ages," the lilting sounds swiftly displacing the room's cold quiet.
"I hope you liked that," he said.
Silence.
"I play for him every week," Knecht said, stepping into the corridor. "He can't speak very well, but he appreciates the music, I think."
Since he began playing violin at the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial VA Medical Center in Loma Linda last February, the earnest 17-year-old has grown used to the strokes, dementia and crippling disease afflicting so many here.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
What a nice young man.
Finally a beautiful intermission to all of todays bad news posts. What a wonderful young man, music to sooth the souls of man.
bttt
Interesting how math and music go together. I read studying music boosts ones IQ!
An uplifting story!
Thank you!
PINGING a few friends!
Sounds like Alexander is a real blessing to those old folks.
There was a complete difference from a free gig and one that charged ticket money and "sang to the choir", so to speak. The money barely paid for the gas and equipment, but the free ones changed people and my daughter. IMHO, everyone has some ability so minister to someone. If it's nothing but going to the store for a widower, or cutting someone's grass for them when you are mowing your own.
ping
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