The Power of A Twinkle

Only two people were sitting in the Maternity waiting area—an expectant Dad and his 19 month-old son.  They had been there some time hoping for good news about the arrival of their newest family member after a difficult pregnancy that had required hospitalization.  When I saw them, I remarked about how silent the hospital was today, and the Dad expressed his worry, concern and feelings of isolation in his reply.  The man owned several guitars (he was very musical) and explained to his son what my instrument was as I played, “How often do you see a live harp?” he asked his son, “and in a hospital!”  When I paused, the little boy put his fingers together in a certain way.  His father translated: “That’s his sign for ‘more.’”  So more it was!  They both seemed entranced by the sounds, and I asked the little boy if he knew his “ABC’s” yet.  “Yes,” he responded, so I taught him the letters of the strings of the harp.  He clapped.  In fact, they both clapped after each song.  Finally I played the ABC song (the same melody as Twinkle,Twinkle Little Star) and the Dad started to sing along softly.  “What a treat! That was so kind of you to play for him.  Bless you,” the Dad said.  With that, a nurse appeared—it couldn’t have been timed more perfectly.  She called for them to follow her down the hall to visit the rest of their family.  The Dad thanked me again for being there for the two of them.