Thursday, January 8, 2004
Thursday, January 8, 2004
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken
together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure
you get back."
(Luke 6.38
NRSV)
Margaret Patrick barely survived. She spent months in hospitals and rehabilitation centers, finally regaining movement on her left side. Her right side is still paralyzed. She says often in halting speech, "I am happy to be alive."
Ruth Eisenberg is a wisecracking wit. She now laughs about that moment when she suffered the stroke and lay on the floor of her apartment undiscovered for two days. Ruth recovered--but she still does not have the use of her left side, and she is confined to a wheelchair.
The two women met after both were referred to the center by their doctors. They soon learned of their mutual love for the piano. One day they sat down at the center's ancient green piano. Margaret's long fingers moved back and forth over the left side of the keyboard. Ruth's shorter, stronger fingers carried the melody on the right side. They sat close together and leaned toward one another. Margaret's right hand draped limply around Ruth, Ruth's left hand lay motionless on Margaret's right knee. Their first attempt was Chopin's "Minute Waltz in D." It was truly a revelation to both. Since then they have developed an extensive repertoire. They have performed for countless senior centers, veteran's homes and hospitals. They have been featured on television shows. They are an inspiration to all who know them and have heard them play.
Says Margaret, "I never thought God could use us the way He is doing. We are so happy--and we thank God every day."
Dear God, with all of the circumstances I face in life, help me to always be an example of your love. Amen.
