| Author |
Topic: Volunteer Today !!!!!!!!!!!!! |
David Wright
From:
Pilot Point ,Tx USA.
|
Posted 8 Nov 2003 9:57 pm |
|
Hello Everyone!
Just thought I’d let you in on my day. It was a dozy!
About a year ago, my mother moved into assisted living. It was a big adjustment for everyone, but it’s been the hardest on her. Her body has worn out but her mind and spirit are still going strong. This is probably what made the move so difficult for her as many of the people living at the Hospitality House aren’t as blessed. For the most part the residents or as mom calls them “the inmates” are there because they just can’t do or think the way they used to.
Anyway, much to mother’s encouragement and some nagging Vanetta and I went out there today to play music for them. This was our second visit and we probably should’ve left well enough alone with our one and then only appearance.
For the very first time in 33 years of playing, I forgot my guitar seat!! I couldn’t believe it! We got out there 30 minutes ahead of time (just like planned) and when we started to unload, I realized that I’d forgotten my seat!! So we decided that Vanetta should drive back to the house (about 15 minutes away) and pick it up. She also had to trade vehicles as her car as was out of gas. So she had to drive my truck (a.k.a. The Big Red Love Machine) back to the old folks home. Well, on her way back she got into a little bit of a competition getting on the freeway. Seems like a woman in a jeep wouldn’t let the Big Red Love Machine merge. So my little red head missed her turn and drove 10 minutes too far down the road before she could get turned around and back on track. Meanwhile I’m trying to keep the inmates entertained with my wit and charm until the needed seat with my volume pedal, picks, and cords safely packed inside, arrived. Once she’s finally back, we’re both flustered and sweating and not to mention embarrassed. Mom told us later that they had eaten lunch very quickly so they could get the tables set up for the music! Man, did we feel bad!
Finally, we’re making some music. About halfway through our set and in the middle of Your Cheating Heart, two of the male inmates got into a fight! Not just words, but pushing and attempted hitting. This REALLY upset Vanetta as she hasn’t seen any of the bar fights I have! She stopped singing and asked me if I was going to help the nurses control the instigating geezer and I yelled back to her “You never stop playing during a fight, unless you’re in it! Sing!” So she got back to singing. The staff got the men separated and settled down and we finished up the play list.
So I guess the moral of the story is: Mom isn’t always right, keep track of your stool and don’t play Hank if Bob Wills is working!
Hope to hear that y’all are getting out and volunteering your talents just like this. It really is very rewarding. We must’ve been thanked 50 times or so for coming. Playing some music for them added something special to their day (the fight not with standing!). We’ll probably be back out there soon. We’ve got to learn some gospel songs first though. We’re hoping to prevent another scuffle!
Thats my Mom with Netta and I .))))))
.jpg)
------------------
DavidWright.us
M.S.A. Millennium
S-12 9 & 6
Peavey-2000-PX-300
[This message was edited by David Wright on 08 November 2003 at 10:00 PM.] [This message was edited by David Wright on 08 November 2003 at 10:01 PM.] [This message was edited by David Wright on 09 November 2003 at 08:51 AM.] [This message was edited by David Wright on 09 November 2003 at 11:01 AM.] [This message was edited by David Wright on 09 November 2003 at 11:28 AM.] |
|
|
 |
Richard Sinkler
From:
aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana
|
|
|
|
David Wright
From:
Pilot Point ,Tx USA.
|
Posted 8 Nov 2003 10:17 pm
|
|
Richard,
I told her not to be running over them little baby Jeeps, it's just not fair!!!!
I always thought I made her look better... 
------------------
DavidWright.us
M.S.A. Millennium
S-12 9 & 6
Peavey-2000-PX-300
|
|
|
|
Sidney Malone
From:
Buna, TX
|
Posted 9 Nov 2003 4:26 am
|
|
David,
What a story!! Those are some of the hardest gigs to play for me but have been by far the most rewarding.
I guess Your Cheatin' Heart brought the two guy's back to their old rowdy days. I can't say I've ever been able to start a fight at a rest home, I think I'll leave that title to you!!
Gospel music is by far the most requested at those type places and the people really, really appreciate it.
I would also like to encourage people to go play at the rest homes/retirement homes in your area. The people (inmates)there are starving for entertainment and are very easily satisfied (except for David's two buddies)and will beg you to come back. They are tough gigs but very rewarding and the most appreciative audience you'll ever play for!! |
|
|
|
Fred Justice
From:
Mesa, Arizona
|
Posted 9 Nov 2003 4:30 am
|
|
David & Vanetta,
Bless your hearts for doing that gig.
I've been there and know what it means to those folks to hear and see something from
the out side.
Your Mother i know must be very proud and i
too know thats a great feeling.
You two are the BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!
---------------------------------------------
Fred Justice,
SWSGA |
|
|
|
Bill Stafford
From:
Gulfport,Ms. USA
|
Posted 9 Nov 2003 4:38 am
|
|
HI David, glad to see you doing this for "the inmates". lol
I play for a group of elder folks that are not yet "inmates". They are members of the Long Beach, Mississippi Methodist church. Call themselves "The OAKS" which is a church club for the "Old and Kindred Spirits". They have a dinner on a Wednesday (noon) once a month and various people volunteer to perform or play music for them. The first time I went, the preacher informed me to not be embarassed should I see some of the old folks get up and leave as they can not sit too long. I was prepared for that in any regards. After the lunch, I told them the story (quickly) of the origins of the steel guitar and then started playing a few songs I figured this group would be able to relate. Needless to say, not a soul got up, and after two hours, they wanted more. One precious lady, 99 years old and celebrating her birthday that week, came up to me on her crutches and asked if I could play "Lets Chase each other around the room tonight". That really brought the laughs and we ended up with that one, best I could. So, when you volunteer to share your music and hearts with these grand folks, you can not go wrong.
Thanks for your efforts, David.
Bill Stafford |
|
|
|
Steven Black
From:
Gahanna, Ohio, USA
|
Posted 9 Nov 2003 5:18 am
|
|
| Hey Bill, is that a Universal 12 MSA Millenium? steveb carter D10 8+5. |
|
|
|
Ed Naylor
From:
portsmouth.ohio usa, R.I.P.
|
Posted 9 Nov 2003 5:26 am
|
|
| For many years I have gone to rest homes,schools,handicap places and play "Goldie Oldie" records. Also I take a Steel many times and let them get a 'Hands On" experience. It is worth it all when you play "You are my sunshine" and a 90 yr old starts clapping hands or sings along. Gospel most times get the most response.I just wish I could do this "Fulltime". Ed Naylor Steel Guitar Works |
|
|
|
John Floyd
From:
R.I.P.
|
|
|
|
Ernest Cawby
From:
Lake City, Florida, USA, R.I.P.
|
Posted 9 Nov 2003 8:36 am
|
|
My oldest, Belinda is manager of Hillmont Apts. in Lake park Ga.. An elderly complex. They have a comunity room. We set up there and play for them. They do seem to enjoy it so much. At their age they do not get out much, so they have a big time with the muisic. And they do like gospel more than country. Yes it is very rewarding.
ernie |
|
|
|
Bob I. Williams
From:
Sun City West, Arizona, USA
|
Posted 9 Nov 2003 8:37 am
|
|
| living here in Sun City,there is a assisted living building just about anywhere you happen to be.We try to use the fridays that we're not booked,to play at one of them.they do enjoy and need that.have'nt seen a assisted living brawl yet. |
|
|
|
Buck Grantham R.I.P.
From:
Denham Springs, LA. USA
|
Posted 9 Nov 2003 10:04 am
|
|
Great Happening!!!!!!! You'll be back out there . It gets in your blood, and they love the music. I'msure the little scrap livenend up your show considerably. I never thought of that but it sounds intresting. We do the rest homes down here too. It's real rewarding. Maybe you could play a little more laid back...  |
|
|
|
Donna Dodd
From:
Acworth, Georgia, USA
|
Posted 9 Nov 2003 10:46 am
|
|
| All emotions can be expressed through music – and music is universal. What a gift it is to engage others through life’s undisclosed passages. Watching people as they smile, laugh, cry – whatever the emotion – you’ve REACHED them!! Those of us who do not have musical abilities have to rely on awkwardly choosing the right sentiment in a card or letter, or just holding someone’s hand in silence. Music says it all. And to those of you who unselfishly share your gift, I offer this sentiment - - THAT IS SO COOL! |
|
|
|
David Wright
From:
Pilot Point ,Tx USA.
|
Posted 9 Nov 2003 10:51 am
|
|
Buck,
Netta and I have talked it over, the next time we go were going as accoustic act, leave the computer and PA steel at home, I'' take a Dobro, and she plays guitar, you never see a brawl at a Blue~Grass get togather !!!!! I guess my "Brother Joe Wright" imitation is what set off the brawl, I shouldn't have kicked off Your Cheating Heart with Distortion !!!!!
Vanetta and I want to thank all of you for the kind words, We will go back, why you ask??? cause Mom said we were !!! 
------------------
DavidWright.us
M.S.A. Millennium
S-12 9 & 6
Peavey-2000-PX-300
[This message was edited by David Wright on 09 November 2003 at 10:52 AM.] |
|
|
|
Gary Walker
From:
Morro Bay, CA
|
Posted 9 Nov 2003 12:24 pm
|
|
| David, after years of knowing the male side of your family, it's nice to see your mom finally. The circle is complete and it shows you're of the Wright stuff. |
|
|
|
Donna Dodd
From:
Acworth, Georgia, USA
|
Posted 9 Nov 2003 12:38 pm
|
|
David,
| Quote: |
| I shouldn't have kicked off Your Cheating Heart with Distortion !!!!! |
Distortion is NOT particularly good for pacemakers or hearing aids!
Glad Mom still rules!!!!! (we moms have to stick together)
|
|
|
|
Billy Easton
From:
Nashville, TN USA
|
|
|
|
Bill Llewellyn
From:
San Jose, CA
|
Posted 10 Nov 2003 2:33 pm
|
|
| Back in the late-80s I actually led a once-per-month church service at a convalescent hospital for about 1-1/2 years. It was quite a challenge. I would play piano and lead the singing, and I would even give a mini-sermon (and I'm no preacher!!). |
|
|
|
Ronald Moore
From:
Mindoro, Wisconsin, USA
|
Posted 10 Nov 2003 5:41 pm
|
|
| It's good to see that several people are providing entertainment for the elderly. One of the bands I play in is a gospel group, (three of us, a husband and wife team who play rythm guitar and bass and sing, and me on steel guitar). We volunteer at two nursing homes a month on a Sunday afternoon and the people love it. The people in those homes are lonely people and they appreciate live music. It is rewarding to see the smiles on their faces. We have been doing this for around five years now and we plan to keep it up. Ron |
|
|
|
Stay out of them. Hope you and Vanetta get over the gig. Those are tough. I think it is great you do that for the folks there.
