Since my normal crowd are the residents of a senior facility, I am used to unusual audience behavior. I am not offended if some people roll squeaky wheelchairs out during the program–usually they like the music but need to answer a call from their families, or a call from the nurse, or a call from nature. I don’t mind when they sing along–even when they aren’t singing the same melody I’m playing. I don’t even object if people fall asleep during my program of soothing harp music. I merely ask that they snore in rhythm.
In fact, as long as people aren’t throwing things at me, I am a happy performer. And if they want to throw money at me, that would be even better!
But just recently, I was playing in an Alzheimer’s unit when a lady in my audience decided to throw shoes.
At the harp.
At me.
I know Christmas carols can get old toward the end of December, but that was overreacting!
Fortunately, I didn’t have to duck. They were bedroom slippers and she wasn’t a Yankee pitcher.
The nurse to replaced the shoes and the lady quietly enjoyed the rest of my music.
I will add airborne moccasins to the list of snow, fog, and getting my ear talked off–all risks I take to share the Joy of Christmas in senior facilities.
Or maybe this lady was trying to symboliclly encourage me after the fashion of the scripture “Blessed on the mountains [or the hallways or the stage] are the feet of those who bring good news.”
And if the shoe fits . . .
From God our Heavenly Father
A blessed Angel came;
And unto certain Shepherds
Brought tidings of the same:
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by Name.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy