I have posted about playing at the Ohio State University James Cancer Hospital a few posts ago, but I decided to circle back with some additional thoughts.
So what have I learned from playing at the James? First and foremost, I have learned that for the most part I have good health. From the piano bench, I have seen a lot, particularly cancer patients, lots of them, fighting their individual health challenges with great courage and dignity. I have seen family members, wheeling their loved ones in the lobby, simply trying to have a few better moments, than the moments they are facing on the other hospital floors. I have seen physicians, so many physicians, in full on scrubs, white coats, and even the little head coverings, meaning they probably just finished a surgery. I have seen med students and nurses, hundreds of them, moving quickly often
picking up a lunch, eating on the go, and on the way to the next breakthrough, exam or family meeting. And I have seen volunteers, yes, people giving of their time in a small way, to make a difference for the patients and families fighting cancer.
From the piano bench, it is easy to get lost in the music. I hope I know this well enough. I hope this is a piece that someone will like. I hope it's okay if I practice my favorite church hymns. And wow, I hope they like Aretha as much as I do. I often smile, when a busy physician walks by trying to hum whatever tune I am playing. And I particularly like it when just about any physician or nurse can belt out a tune from Lion King or the Little Mermaid. And this is crazy, but I even heard a physician sing Strangers in the Night when he walked by, and I wasn't even playing it. But honestly, almost anyone can chorus a doobee doobee doo in tune.
When I first started playing at the James, I almost felt sick when I saw patients, families, visitors or medical personnel, sitting at the tables by the piano. I would say to myself "Oh God (and that's a prayer) I can't wait to screw up. Or, I didn't practice this one carefully enough, or I can't do this, I'm just an amateur. However, the last time I played about a month ago, I realized that what the volunteer musicians are providing, is simply pure relief from the difficult medical challenges going on with the patients, their family members and their friends.
Several months ago, a nurse actually sat down on the bench when I was playing Natural Woman, and he did sing. In fact, he even asked me when I would be back so he could sing again. I think he was just happy to have a few minutes off. I have known a few nurses in my life, and they are on the front lines of patient care, often working 12 hour shifts, and making quick and tough decisions with a smile.
I have even seen friends. That is one of the toughest things, because again, you are seeing folks you love going through medical challenges. Pure courage is about the only thought I can muster when I see friends going through the lobby. They are putting one foot in front of the other, and I often say, could I be that brave, could I be that strong?
On a lighter note, as a fashion oriented person, I do not like wearing a James Hospital polo. As a Michigan State Spartan it is difficult on any day to wear scarlet or gray. But when I think about putting up with my blasted polo, I always remind myself, that it's a small price to pay to give people some music for one short hour. The polo says you are a part of a team, a team of amazing people making a difference.
Sometimes while playing I hear physicians walking by, talking about a medical procedure, or even a small break through, and I start to say, maybe some of these challenging cancers will be cured. I don't know if they will, but I can have hope and I will have hope. Yep, you can't take hope away from me.
I have about 25 pieces copied and in a white binder. I also bring along a few extra music books, just in case I run out of pieces, or simply want to play something different. I add that I end with the Ohio State University alma mater Carmen Ohio. I never thought I would play that piece, but I think on some small level it makes a difference. Carmen Ohio is really a hymn called Come, Ye Children of the Lord. It is a Spanish melody arranged by Benjamin Carr The words were created in 1881 by James H. Wallis
The text of the first verse is as follows
Come, ye children of the Lord,
Let us sing with one accord,
Let s raise a joyful strain
To our Lord, who soon will reign
On this earth, when it shall be
Cleansed from all iniquity ;
When all men from sin will cease
And will live in love and peace.
There are two other verses as well.
As the OSU story goes, in 1903, Fred Cornell a freshman at Ohio State, and a backup defensive end, and a member of the Ohio State Glee Club, wrote the lyrics to Carmen Ohio, following a devastating loss to the University of Michigan. Not sure if this is the correct story, but blog followers can email me at ebnerpom@gmail.com with the correct facts. I will add that Carmen is Latin for song and the title Carmen Ohio literally means Ohio's song.
But I digress, and add, that the alma mater is beautiful, and it says so much about the people of my adopted state of Ohio, and particularly my children (who are OSU graduates,) that folks are simply proud of their education, and their connection to the firm friendships of The Ohio State University. I hope for patients and their families that the alma mater brings them a moment of pride, and memories of their many happy years as Buckeyes.
So what have I learned from playing at the James? That I can give a piece of myself to the lobby crowd by playing my favorite instrument. That perhaps some piece I am playing will remind them of their spouse, their best friend, their first date, Frank Sinatra, or even their child's first Disney movie. But I hope that even for a brief hour, I can make someone feel that a piece of the world is still all right, even while facing great challenges with hope and courage. The world is always magical when there is a piano, someone to play it and music!! Who knows maybe the crazy James polo is not that bad!
