A Note of Thanks

from Marian Alderman

In January, when Pastor Jim needed to find a substitute pianist/organist for Janelle Sarbach as she and Charlie headed for warmer climes, he talked to Bonnie Baird. I have no way of knowing how they arrived at a decision, but I am certain they had my welfare in mind.

Bonnie was prepared to play for both Windsor and Orwell services and she asked if I would be available if she needed help during the several weeks that the Sarbachs would be in Florida. She admitted that subbing for such a long period would not be easy, especially because of Orwell’s choir practices.

Since Bonnie would not be available for Sunday morning rehearsals at 10 o’clock, it would be necessary for the choir to meet on a night in the middle of the week. Bonnie works full-time, so she wasn’t anxious to commit to evening choir rehearsals and neither were choir members.

I assured Bonnie that I would help when she needed me. Later, I thought about the pressure on her for eight or ten weeks and wondered why I was to help only if she ran into problems. Why wasn’t I asked to sub? I had subbed at Orwell U. M. Church for years, and never had any complaints about my playing.

Not being a shy little old lady, I encountered Pastor Jim and my good friend, Bonnie, after church. I cut right to the chase. “Jim, why are you not allowing me to sub for Janelle while she and Charlie are in Florida? Don’t you know that I have to keep playing piano or I will lose my health or worse yet, my mind?”

Bonnie spoke up. “We didn’t want to put pressure on you when you are, uh, …”

“Old? I’m at the point where I need to be needed, not pampered.” I knew she and Pastor Jim were being kind, but I also realized that I was not ready to wither up and blow away. As long as my old arthritic hands still work, I want to play. I’ve been playing for services since I began as Sunday School pianist for Windsor church when I was twelve. That was a few decades ago.

Obviously, Pastor Jim and Bonnie were no match for a determined octogenarian, so the deal was made. Bonnie agreed to play on communion Sunday every month and I would accompany the choir for the anthem on those Sundays.

To the church family at Orwell, I want to say thanks for your warm welcome and kind words. I have always felt appreciated and that does this old heart a world of good. When Pastor Jim gives me a big hug and tells me I am wonderful, it does me more good that all the daily medications my cardiologist insists I need.

To the church family at Windsor, we have missed you and will be happy to spend a couple of months with you before the summer lake services at Saybrook Township Park in June where I will be playing for three months.

As long as the Good Lord allows, I will continue to perform on the keyboards wherever I am needed.

Thank you, good Orwell neighbors, for allowing me to serve you.