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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: LOVE (11/18/21)
“That’s good, Barry,” his little fingers slid onto mine as I pressed the piano keys.

Floor hockey pucks cracked the wall beside me. Burned cookie smells escaped from the kitchen. Neighbourhood children were playing in our Church.

The little boy beside me was mute, and instead of running floor hockey or cooking a treat, he worked my fingers on the piano so that his “voice” could escape.

I banged away at the piano myself trying to escape.

For 50 years, I had been terrified of the instrument. A strict piano teacher had intimidated me as a child, and I never took lessons again for fear of making a mistake.

A man recently freed from the bar, had accompanied me on guitar as we led worship - but he had passed away.

Now I was forced to stare at these piano keys with a little mute boy beside me, and as I kept trying to push back the dark memories of my childhood - I suddenly realized – both of us are mute.

“On Sunday,” my husband nudged, “why don’t you just walk up to that piano like you own it - because, you know, you do - and play it for us like you play it for the kids?”

Marching up to the piano that following Sunday, I pretended it was Thursday night. Then after one song, I stood up and walked to the altar to bow my head in thanks to our Lord for giving me courage.

“I’m free, I’m free,” I marveled, lifting my head and shaking it when something like a warm blanket of love fell on me.

I began to bounce up and down. “I’m not mute, I’m not in darkness anymore, I’m free.”

Most of the congregation laughed and clapped along with me, except one woman who growled, “I hate the sound of the piano,” as she walked away.

A few weeks later, I played song after song for our mortgage-burning service. As I was nearing the final verse of the last song, I wondered, “Should I switch the button to organ to really make it thunder - or should I just keep it subdued because I know that lady doesn’t like the piano?”

The cool wind of the Holy Spirit blew over my face. The atmosphere in the place was electric. And as the crescendo was building - I took a breath and pushed the organ button ….

Majestic sound filled the Church. People wept openly. The victory was won.

Then during coffee time, Barry climbed up beside me again and put his little fingers on mine. I whispered, “This time, let’s really make it loud.”
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This article has been read 259 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Marlene MCPherson
11/25/21
A lovely piece, I enjoy the experience with you. Intimidation can really bring about fear and bondage. I feel your freedom.
Sue Botte 
11/27/21
Beautiful! I really enjoyed reading it.

I could feel your love towards the mute boy, whom in fact helped you conquering the fear.

Keep writing.
Philippa Geaney
11/30/21
Out of Egypt. Out from slavery and intimidation Trembling and rejoicing - it was all expressed. Lovely.
C D Swanson 
11/30/21

Thanks for sharing this story with us which was on topic, and expressed so well.

Blessings~
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
12/01/21
This is such a sweet story. I enjoyed how faith and music helped the MC. I'd love to see more of the little boy's story. You did a nice job of writing full circle.