Gram's 100+ year old Piano has a new home

 

 

come on in,

you can wait with me

 

Gram played for over 40 years as

the Organist and Pianist for the local

Church as well as many weddings and funerals.

She loved to play, she had such long fingers

they danced across the keys.

 

She always had family photos

and loads of piano books,

seems that I was the same.

 

Today, however is different

 Today is the day that

they come pick up my Gram's Piano.

Her bench is number 61

 

Oh wow the number of times you would hear

this fall over and everyone would cringe

for fear it had landed on a tender toe.

 

Oh here they come,

I can feel tears escaping.

So many memories.

 

It has been a very difficult decision

as to what to do with her piano. 

There have been many moving pieces.

Deciding what to do with it,

try to keep it (although I have no room),

have another family member take it,

sell it so many options.
I began communications with
Michelle on May 18th .
With the cost associated with the move,
to have the piano assessed to ensure
it would meet their requirements
(ability to tune and the overall shape etc),
the tunings it would require,
and scheduling of everyone,
this has been a long process. 

 

 

Please be careful

 

They made it look easy they really did.

This 700 lb (give or take) Henry Miller Piano

aged approximately 100 years

now has a new home.

 

I have decided to donate it

in memory of my Gram

Ione Ayles.

 

St. Augustine's

McKee Manor

opened it's doors in January 2012

to low income seniors and

persons with disabilities.

 

I have been told that 'key' player of the Piano will be Ray. 

Ray is currently in Cancer Remission.

I understand that while he has been waiting for the

piano's delivery, he has been 'sent to the garden' in an effort to keep him busy.

 

I am certain that Gram is smiling as she hears her piano

once again 'sing' with the old hymns.

 

I miss you Gram. 


Update: July 5th
Today, I received the following email from Michelle,
President of St. Augustine's McKee Manor:

 

Shelley, 

We are certainly enthralled with our "new" piano. I kept it a secret until it was delivered and set up. Ray was quite pleased when I revealed his piano had been delivered in our common room. He was attracted to the piano like a magnet - and began playing a boogie woogie tune.

 

Once the piano has been cleaned and has undergone two tunings, you better believe it that we'll invite you. This piano has been a godsend and will brighten the lives of many residents.

We can't thank you enough from the bottom of our heart.