Stories from a hospital volunteer - Part 2 of 3. (A Taxi Driver and 'Moonbeams'. )

[Greenthorn]

Last Monday, we were on a Ward for patients recovering from operations. So, there are younger people here, and it is less hard work for us! Patients are brighter and more ‘with it’. I’ll start with the taxi driver whose name was John. In fact, on this day last Monday, there were 4 Johns in succession. And a James. At one point I said “At this rate we might meet Jesus. We all laughed.

Anyway, this John was just an ordinary London guy; a taxi driver. (The black cab sort, not an Uber driver.) He was very friendly and chatty. Of course, we asked him. “Have you driven anyone famous?” He said he had driven the actor Michael Caine when he had lived in Chelsea Harbour. London. In fact, he had driven him three times. Everybody talks to taxi drivers. It’s like talking to a priest or your hairdresser. You can tell everything to a stranger! John told us that he had picked up a lady who had just been dining with her best friend. This friend was describing to her, over a meal, this great affair she was having with this fantastic guy, describing all his virtues, job etc only to realise she was talking about her husband! John had to endure her wrath and fury throughout the drive home!

Anyway, back to Michael Caine. Michael Caine, then living in a posh apartment in Chelsea Harbour, then posed this question to John who lives in a Council estate, opposite the Thames, across from Chelsea Harbour. “John” Michael Caine began, “would you rather live in an expensive apartment in Chelsea Harbour, with a view across the Thames to a council estate, or live in a council estate with a view of Chelsea Harbour?” John told us his answer without hesitation, “To live in a council flat with a view of Chelsea Harbour.” Sometimes it is the view itself that keeps us anchored to life in a positive way. (I see today that Michael Caine lives in Leatherhead Surrey. 😄)

So, we enter another bay and come to a patient by the name of Robert, except that I started to call him John. I had to explain to him that the 3 or 4 previous patients were all named John. He smiled. John was lying back in bed having recently had a back operation. We spoke about music and what he might like to listen to, since I could play him something from my Bluetooth speaker. But surprise, surprise, Robert wanted to play ME something. Something on a video on his mobile phone. Robert held his phone up so that we could see. It was of a young boy (aged 10 or 11) playing piano; a beautiful piece of music and sensitively played. Robert had a tear in his eye as we watched the boy play. I thought it was a baroque piece of music, but I wasn’t sure. Robert wasn’t either. He said the piece was called "Moonbeams” and was a Grade IV piano piece. And that it was his grandson playing! Wow, I said. Robert told us that his grandson had recorded this and had sent it to him with the instruction “Open this only when you wake after your operation.” No wonder we had tears in our eyes! I googled “Moonbeams Grade 4” when I arrived home later that day and yes, it was the same piece, so I invite you all to listen to it and remember the goodness of Robert's grandson. Robert was so proud of him!

[SORRELHIPPO]

Will listen to, and think it is you playing by my hospital bed. Having been in since the 8th, hope for home by end of week.

[Greenthorn in reply to SORRELHIPPO]

Be my guest SH. I have been thinking of you and how you were getting on. Let's hope there is better news by the end of the week. If you have a particular song you like, I can record that and give you a YouTube link. I'd be happy to give it a whirl!

[sassy59]

What a wonderful story or stories I shoujd say. I can imagine Michael Caine being a nice man to speak to but felt sorry for the poor woman and get not very nice ex friend. Roberts grandson was very special indeed. How lovely. Xxxx

[Greenthorn in reply to sassy59]

Thanks Carole, Robert told me his grandson was gifted all round, captain of his cricket team, good swimmer and a few other things to boot. I felt privileged to watch his video.

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

I will listen to it also on, I love listening to piano music. Have a lovely day and take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx 🌻🌻

[Morrison10]

I’m impressed by all you do, and its good meeting such interesting people, hope you can keep up your good work, best regards, Jean

[Greenthorn in reply to Morrison10]

Thanks Jean. In the last 18 months I'm paired up with Lucy (a retired nurse).Initially she was shadowing me but she asked to stay with me on the rounds to gain confidence AND because I play music! But I must say it's great to work as a pair. We support each other and are stronger as a pair. We can alternate with patients and each see different patients in the same bay, almost creating a buzz. A new recruit joined us on our last two visits. The Three Muskateers! PS I've pm'd you re the 2nd part of Come Back to Sorrento.

[Walkwalkwalk]

Oh. Your stories are so beautiful. I am sure that your visits do create a positive buzz on your rounds. I hope that the three musketeers keep the fun flowing. Grace

[Greenthorn in reply to Walkwalkwalk]

WWW - I inadvertently put my reply down in the main thread and not directly to you. I hope you can see and read it.

[Walkwalkwalk in reply to Greenthorn]

Hi. I have seen it now so thanks for letting me know. I am sorry that I didn’t reply to your message about Milton of Campsie by the way. I agree about the sound of a piano playing. Where they are available on station concourses etc you can actually see people’s shoulders drop and walking pace reduce when the piano is playing.

Take care you are doing a great job.

Grace

[Greenthorn]

Thanks so much Grace; that means a lot to me. I advocate the use of pairing up to my managers. I think it is a good model to follow. (Much in the same way as a doctor would have a team with him/her.) I will be posting the concluding part of this trilogy of stories this weekend, and of course I will try and commit posting more regularly on my hospital visits. This morning I am to play piano at another London hospital . That too is very rewarding. One elderly gentleman came up to me a month ago and said "Thankyou, you've made my visit a lot easier." Hearing ands seeing a piano being played when you enter or a leave or hospital can very comforting,; well depending on what is being played!

I concentrate on Music Hall songs, 30's 40's and 50's an occasional hymn an dsome more jazzy stuff. Its a learning course for me too! David.

[Katinka46]

Wonderful stories. Apologies for coming late to the party, we have our younger son, his wife and their identical twin girls, two and a half years old, staying for a week. Wonderful to have them, but exhausting…Your tales are great at restoring our faith in ordinary people, each so individual and precious.

Thank you

Kate xxx

[Greenthorn in reply to Katinka46]

Thanks Kate - I was wondering where you were! Though I did see a couple of replies on other posts today. I can imagine it has been tiring for you. NB I had a nice surprise on my door mat this morning. And I will pm you about that tomorrow morning. David X

[Caspiana]

Robert's grandson sounds like a very nice, caring young man. I remember taking exams from the Royal school of music and some of the examiners were very kind and some were not. But it didn't really matter they were fair in their grading which is what counts most. I know two people by the name of John. 😅 But I don't think they drive a taxi. Good to read your news as always. xx 🙋🐕