I blogged this week about the 80% chance that I have rheumatoid arthritis. And naturally I wondered how that would eventually affect the things I love to do, like playing the piano.
Well. This morning I ran across a video and after watching it, I was suddenly pretty certain that I’m going to keep on playing, no matter what.
Because the girl playing piano in the video? She has a total of four fingers. Four. And she plays piano like she has twenty of ’em.
So if she can play piano with four fingers I can most certainly play piano with ten fingers–arthritis or no arthritis!
(This is Christmas 2008, playing piano at a rest home in Wisconsin. That’s Nathan, Sarah and my mom and dad in the background.)
The video is about ten minutes long but even watching just the first minute will give you goose bumps. She is an absolutely amazing inspiration.
(click on orange letters to play video)
It is all about what we still have not what we may have lost or the challenges to do what we want inspite of afflictions, conflict or loss. What a beautiful and amazing young woman. You know, I look at my hands now and I see my mother’s hands. She kept them moving and loving and working for 99 years. I use her as an inspiration sometimes. Praying for your successful treatment, Becky.
Mary, a mother’s hands are the best inspiration there is!
Attttttta girl Becky…don’t tell God how big you problem is…tell your problem how big your GOD is…You will win everytime! Blesssings and love from Texas….Fran
Fran, thanks for cheering me on! 🙂
I second what Jackie said!!
Melinda, and I “third it!”
Becky, what an amazing video, and yes – goose bumps and tears. But – I had the same reaction seeing three generations of your family, as you played piano for your parents. And if I’m not mistaken, your dad is playing a guitar – and possibly singing, since there is a microphone in front of him. I can hardly comprehend how wonderful those moments must have been for your parents. And it reminded me very much of the years we commuted to Elizabeth City to take care of Lucy’s parents. If you want to “see God”, just look at that picture. God is Love. And you can certainly see him in that picture. ~ Fred 🙂
Frank, thanks for your sweet encouragement. Yes, that was a microphone in front of my dad. For many years, even when he and mom were not in good health, the two of them sang in two or three rest homes a week. I am definitely blessed with a great heritage of music and love.
Hi Becky…I normally don’t post (prefer to lurk) but as someone diagnosed with RA (in 2001) at the age of 34, I just want to tell you that it’s not so bad! You’ve probably consulted Dr. Google about this but I am here to tell you he can be somewhat of an alarmist. At diagnosis, I could not change a diaper or roll over in bed by myself, or sometimes even walk, or brush my teeth! I was told I had the most severe case of RA my doctor had ever seen. Within a year or so, I was in full remission and have not (knock wood) suffered a symptom since. I have all kinds of gadgets I used to use for opening jars, and buttoning buttons and I couldn’t have gotten by without them. They are dust collectors and a reminder of how good life can be. I can do everything anyone else can do. The drugs they have for RA are amazing..though I haven’t taken one in over ten years myself..I hear they work wonders on people. So here is hoping that you don’t have it but that if you do, you will get appropriate treatment and never miss a day of playing…Best wishes!
Jackie, what an encouraging post! ( I’m really glad you de-lurked!) 🙂
It’s amazing to hear about how well you’re doing now after the really tough time you had starting out. I’m encouraged to know that there are some happy endings even with this kind of diagnosis. (And yes, Dr. Google can be pretty alarming.)
Thanks for commenting!
Now that I officially feel like a slacker…
What an amazing, talented, beautiful young woman! Thanks for sharing, Becky.
Jan, Amazing, talented and beautiful describe that woman quite well. What an inspiration!