“No one looks forward to a hospital stay,
But blessings can come in surprising ways.
An orchestral violinist came each afternoon
To serenade his colleague in a nearby room.
Passersby stopped and gathered in the hall;
Glorious music was therapy for all.
I noticed my husband’s pain would ease
With the sound of each magnificent piece.
His face brightened as he said with a grin,
‘tomorrow, I must bring my violin.’
Emotions collided as I bit my lip.
He had not only forgotten his broken hip,
But also the disease which took away
His own fine ability to play. “

—Elaine Parker Akin