For the past 6 years I have played gigs at senior venues ranging from very exclusive retirement communities to poorly funded nursing home environments. Mostly I have come and gone - played the gig and left.

During the past two weeks my wife and I have been at a "nursing home" facility where my mother-in-law had to be admitted. We have been spending upwards of 12 hours daily here and I have learned more than I ever wished to know about these places.

The only up side to this is I remembered to bring my equipment with me and have been playing daily for whoever wanted to show up. I was supplied with a cart and I even visited several rooms for people who are no longer mobile. I think in the future each and every single gig I play will take on a new meaning for me and I will be very proud to be in the presence of these folks whose life has passed them by and whose only joy in life is now the memories of their past.

I have sat and talked with people barely able to speak, played card games with gentleman who can't tell you their name, brought smiles to the faces of a few people who have very little to be happy about.

Count your blessings folks - but for the will of God this could be you or me. The next time you are bored and looking for something to do - give some thought to visiting a local senior home and make some friends.

Deane