Hope

This morning, I could write about another winter storm and we are setting records this winter but at this point, the weather in Toronto is no longer news worthy. We have to get used to it and be careful. Michael, my husband just pointed out that there is an accident happening every three minutes this morning. I made the decision to cancel a performance by a flute quartet that I coach at my school. The quartet was going to perform at a Toronto District School Board conference on character development. I made the decision that I did not want to risk their lives trying to get them to the event. (It is my day off, so I will stay home and shovel the snow later today.)

My topic today is hope and I want to reflect on my experience last night. Last night I performed bassoon and flute duets, at Princess Margaret Lodge, a residence for cancer patients who are from out of town. This is a place they can live while receiving treatment. We had been warned not to stare and act naturally around them. This was not a problem, they were wonderful people ready to be engaged in the evening's events. The evening turned out to be a wonderful evening for us. We were extremely well received and the audience members were very interested in our instruments, especially my bassoon which many of them had never seen. Even people who visit the symphony regularly are often surprised at what the bassoon looks like because they have only seen the top and do not realize that there are couple more feet of instrument below chest level. One of the patients had warned us that she might leave during our presentation because she was not feeling well; we were honoured because she stayed for the whole concert. One of the highlights that I would have enjoyed taping and posting was the end when the audience members had long streamers that they moved in time to our last selection. My friend, Krista might even remember the music which we played at a friend's garden wedding over 30 years ago. This piece of music is still challenging and moving.
After, seeing these patients and a friend of mine who is bedridden with MS, I hope that I could demonstrate as much hope and grace as these people if I had to deal with a medical challenge. People continue to impress me. I am pleased that I am able to be part of their day and bring a new and hopefully enjoyable experience to their lives.