Life Stories

It was 30 minutes before the program started on the 21st of December. The people were flowing into the Emanuel church and the members were bringing in more chairs to accommodate the crowd. Rosita * was a bundle of nerves. In less than an hour she would be playing her piano solo. She anxiously watched the doorway, looking for her mom, dad, brothers and sisters as well as a host of uncles and aunts that she had invited.

Rosita has been taking lessons from Tammy for about 6 months. She is in her twenties but has an physical condition that has left her with a body and mind of a 10-11 year old. When Tammy asked her mother if Rosita could take piano classes her mother replied "I don't see why you would want to bother, her fingers are crooked, she'll never be able to play the piano."

With no family support and a toy keyboard for practice Rosita studied diligently and came to class faithfully. She picked up quickly and progressed at a fast pace. While certainly no piano virtuoso, she did exceedingly well.

On Sunday night, December 21, Rosita gave her first recital to over 70 people. The notes rang clear and true and her rendition of "The Balloons" was a success. When she finished she was greeted with warm applause for her accomplishment. She was smiling from ear to ear.

Her family never showed up.

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,
Because the LORD has anointed me
To bring good news to the afflicted;
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to captives
And freedom to prisoners;

Is. 61:1

*(not her real name)