Thanks for Sore Fingertips

Jamey gave me one of the best gifts I've received from anyone, ever, this weekend, quite by accident.

Vicki and I decided to attend the Sunday afternoon performance of The King & I at Spencerville Adventist Academy. Although we both have reservations about encouraging academy and elementary kids to focus so much time and energy on Broadway musicals, we decided to see one show in support of Jamey and De De, who were both in the "pit" orchestra. When I'm playing, it means a lot to me to see friends in the audience, and that's why we wanted to be there for the Maydens.

But that's not how things worked out. Before the show we chatted with the orchestra players and with pianist/conductor Jan Wall. Jan pointed out that she had several empty chairs and said she could use my help. The only spare instrument to be found was the string bass, so I jumped in to cover that part. After a number or two (as my right-hand fingertips were beginning to blister from pizz'ing) Lester Roach, the bassist, arrived and took over. I slid into the empty chair next to Jamey, waiting for a good break in the play so I could rejoin my family.

Well, I quickly found myself watching Jamey's music, and soon I was counting along and turning pages for him. After a few numbers it was time for him to switch from 'cello (which he was covering in the (complete) absence of the hired 'cellist) to horn, and he handed the 'cello and music to me. Um, what's a guy to do? Jamey let me continue playing his 'cello through the remainder of the play, and again during the second show.

It's very hard to describe the experience: I'm getting an adrenaline rush just trying. As far as I can remember, I'd previously performed only one number as a 'cellist: some number by Pachelbel. But I was able to figure out roughly where my fingers should go, and my violin/viola/bass experience helped me get the bow pressure about right, at least when I remembered to keep the bow off the bridge. For me that afternoon and evening provided several hours of "rush," equal to anything I've heard about skiing or surfing. That was, to me, perfect entertainment.

Jamey, I know that you were relishing your own opportunity to garner experience with your new instrument. You unselfishly gave that up, and it meant the world to me. My left-hand fingertips are sore today, from pressing 'cello strings, and it's the best feeling. Thank you!

A big thank you also to Vicki, William and Beth who put up with the drastically altered schedule and delayed supper so I could be at the second show. I love you!