The Homeless man and the harmonica
Some of you have asked what keeps me busy at times and why I occasionally miss time here on DS.
Tomorrow we will be singing at a place called The Lighthouse. It's a community meal program where people, including many who are homeless or struggling, can come and receive a free home-cooked meal. The meals are prepared by volunteers and supported by local businesses that donate food, money, and other resources to keep it operating.
Several months ago, they put out a request through local churches for live music. No one responded unless they were being paid, so after hearing about the need, my partner and I volunteered.
Most of what we sing is inspirational music, but we also take requests. Tomorrow we'll be playing two of them: "I Can Only Imagine," requested by one of the volunteer servers, and "Cats in the Cradle" by Harry Chapin, requested by a gentleman who comes for the meals.
If someone requests a song I already know, I'll usually play it on the spot. More often, I ask them to give me a week to learn it, and then I'll perform it the following Thursday. There is something special about seeing the smile on someone's face when they realize you remembered their request.
Over the months I've discovered that music is a bridge. The songs are important, but the connections they create are even more important.
A few weeks ago, a man joined us on harmonica while we were playing "10,000 Reasons." It was so beautiful that I got choked up and wasn't sure I could finish the song. Somehow I made it through and thanked him afterward.
The meal line forms right in front of my music stand, so people often stop and talk between songs. Many are carrying burdens I can relate to, especially addiction and recovery struggles. Those conversations have become just as meaningful as the music.
I've been doing this for several months now, and I'm grateful I said yes when the opportunity came along. Every week I leave feeling thankful, not only for the music and the people I meet, but also for the simple blessings I sometimes take for granted, like having a home and a warm bed to sleep in each night.
Music has a way of bringing people together, and I'm grateful to be a small part of that.
Replies
this is a nice thing....I first came into AA and got involved with a place that feed the homeless.....I keep a warm feeling for the need for them to eat. you should be getting some mail soon from me. Thanks Bob....
This is very thoughtful of you to do. Giving is something we all should do. It's very rewarding. And it really does make you feel good. It puts a smile on people's face and they appreciate it. Its the little things that count.
We need more people like you in this world. Thanks Bob.
Great post.
What a kind and giving human being you are! This is such a special thing to do. We think we do it to give to others but like you said, you also get something for doing this. What a beautiful purpose in life.
Hugs my friend. Great idea. Keeps you engaged. Love the idea of giving back to the community. Hugs
that's beautiful Bob. Me and my Dad used to volunteer with a community program like that and it
was so rewarding. You are a good person Bob! Giving back is something we all need to do more of!
Keep on keeping on.
Big hug sweetie
Thank you for sharing this Bob
It's really loving and kind
Feeding those in need is so important right now
Groceries are a crazy price and so many are struggling
Helping in any way would be so appreciated
It's so nice that you lift spirits with your music...xo
That's awesome, music is the language of the world and it helps the musician as much as it does the audience!
Today was a pretty good day at the lighthouse. It poured and we couldn't park in our usual place so we had to park behind Burger King which is a longer walk but the men let us in through the back door when they saw us walking through the rain. It saved us from walking all the way around to the side of the building where the people come in.....
One of the server's who is as old as me, remembers the day back in 1964 when the Beatles were on the Ed Sullivan show. She always asks me to play Beatle songs and I know many by heart. They were the reason I learned guitar in the first place. I was 10 years old at the time. We didn't see her for most of the day but when I started playing "I wanna hold your hand", She came running out from the back and sang along with us. That was so much fun.
We are taking next week off for a much needed break so we can rest and learn more songs.
Thank you, Bill. I think that's one reason the Lighthouse means so much to me. Like you, I know what it's like to remember those early days of recovery and the people who helped along the way. Thank you for sharing that memory with me, and I'll keep an eye out for the mail.
CaliforniaItalianlover, Thank you so much. I agree that it's often the little things that make the biggest difference. I think we all need opportunities to help one another, and the funny thing is that we usually receive as much as we give.
hasty_05, Thank you for your kind words. You said it perfectly, we think we're helping others, but somehow we end up being helped too. That's been my experience at the Lighthouse.
Thank you, Mary. It really does keep me engaged and connected to the community. I always leave feeling like I received more than I gave.
Thank you, Mark. I love hearing that you and your dad volunteered together. Those kinds of memories stay with us. You're right, it is very rewarding, and I'm grateful for the opportunity.
Jan, Big hug right back at you. Thank you for your kind words. You're right, so many people are struggling these days, and I'm grateful the Lighthouse is there to help. If our music lifts a few spirits along the way, then it's all worth it.
I have no doubt your music is inspiring people while they enjoy their meal
I was 10 to Bob...I remember the next day at recess all the girls giddy over the Beatles...lol
It's really nice that they inspired you...xo
A lovely, heart-warming story and so true. Thank you Bob.
@ SunCloudJD Thankyou Jan. I love that you remember that too. It's amazing how many lives were touched by four young men from Liverpool. None of us knew at the time that a moment sitting in front of a television would stay with us for decades.
Your comment means a lot to me because sometimes I focus too much on the notes and not enough on the reason we're there. The people at the Lighthouse have taught me that it isn't really about perfection. It's about connection.
And you're right, the Beatles inspired me. What amazes me is that inspiration keeps getting passed along from person to person. Someone inspired me, and now perhaps our music encourages someone else for an hour. In the same way, your kindness and encouragement have touched many people over the years, including me...hugs
@ Barry Thank you,
I'm glad the story spoke to you. Sometimes the simplest moments end up carrying the biggest lessons.
Your kindness and encouragement are always appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.
Wishing you peace and many blessings, my friend.
I have not gotten to the post office yet and cannot tomorrow because I am on jury duty...
That's nice that you'll be singing.
@ billwfriend Good luck with the Jury duty.....
@ Snowgirl Thankyou!
I mailed the package today....might take a week to get there.....I have tracking number if you want it....