Within You, Without You
January 18th, 2012by tskillin
A special gift transformed Friday the 13th last week from a day of bad omens into one of inspiring generosity.
Toward the end of the day’s Dining Room service, an older man with a long grey goatee and a large eagle belt buckle approached Charles Sommer, our Dining Room Manager. Pulling a $100 bill from his pocket, he asked Charles if the money could go toward repairing our well-loved and well-worn piano. A guest for many years, the man said he’d always loved hearing the music when he came in for a warm meal and a seat at the table. Halfway to the door, he stopped and turned.
“You know” he said to Charles, “I wouldn’t be here without you guys.”
January 19th, 2012 at 8:18 pm
Not one soul, client or volunteer, who ever heard that piano played will ever forget it OR the joy it brought to all of the dining room. When I first volunteered, I grandly told Fr. John I’d be happy to replace the piano for a NEW ONE! He graciously kept the smile on his face, didn’t kick me out or claim I was out of my mind. He gave me a big hint that I needed to understand the importance of that piano and then I would come to know St. Anthony’s mission. After four years of commitment to The Dining Room, I left with a heart filled with love for the whole POINT of keeping the piano as is. The fingers which tickled those ivories were better for it. A message went through each finger up to the heart of each donor of the music that said, “I represent stability, healing, and acceptance to all. Most of all, I represent the love through the years of all whom have played and heard my music.”
I came to know how lucky I was to have experienced my time at that magical place. I will miss you all.
January 20th, 2012 at 4:32 pm
This is such a sweet story. Is there a “Piano Repair” fund
January 20th, 2012 at 5:17 pm
Beautiful ; that’s why I volunteer when it’s raining like today, even though my leg spasms.