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Elsie Anderson, a chance encounter.

By
Industry Observer with ARFCO Media

I’ve spent way too much time in recovery centers this past year. Thank goodness it wasn’t for me, but for several of my friends and extended family. I don’t care for these places at all and I never ever want to be in one. Perhaps my fear of the inevitable, yet just the same, dear Lord, please never.

My daughter Tawnya is in town. She’s here to look after her Mom (my first x yet best friend) Bev, recovering from major back surgery at Wesley Homes Health Center here in Des Moines, Washington.

Now how’s that for a set up?

Anyhow, Tawn and I are taking a break and heading out to get some dinner. As we’re walking down the hallway we can hear someone playing Amazing Grace on the piano in the lobby. As we enter the room, and this is truly where the Amazing Grace happens, we listen for a bit then introduce ourselves to Elsie Anderson.

My mind and heart race in every imaginable direction. Elsie, from West Seattle is in her 90’s, wheelchair bound, hunched over from the ravages of time and legally blind. Yet, she fills the entire room with her radiance.

We listened to her play a few tunes then briefly chatted for a minute and I felt as if I drank from the well that replenishes your soul. What a delightful chance encounter. Thank you Elsie Anderson! I needed that.

Posted by

René Fabre

"Where there's conversation, there's opportunity."

Please Note - The views expressed herein reflect only the individual’s personal views and are not the views of the author’s employer.

The Blackberry Chronicles, a blog by Rene Fabre and his travels around the Greater Pacific Northwest and beyond. Connect w/ Rene Fabre on Google+. Rene Fabre on Twitter. Rene Fabre writes reviews on Yelp. Rene Fabre on Linkedin.com The Audiorium YouTube Channel by Rene Fabre. Facebook.com/renefabre Rene Fabre loves digital photography and here are his shares on Flickr. Rene Fabre is a musician and composer and shares some of his orginal music and recordings on Soundcloud. Rene Fabre shares his interests on Pinterest.
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Rene. What an amazing woman and terrific insight. I love your slogan too.

Nov 05, 2014 11:06 PM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Hi Sheila... Thanks! After a few visits this week I've seen Elsie two times now. Both times she was making her way to the piano! 

Nov 05, 2014 11:31 PM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Wow Renė, what a glorious moment that must have been...radiance comes in so many packages, it is so nice you have the vision and the heart to recognize it.  A

Nov 06, 2014 02:29 AM
Belinda Spillman
Aspen Lane Real Estate Colorful Colorado - Aurora, CO
Colorado Living!

What a nice break from your day.  I bet you made Elsie's day with your appreciation for her talent.  Way to go.

Nov 06, 2014 03:22 AM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Thanks, A... Elsie was such a treat!

Belinda... Indeed, she really lit up that someone was interested! Thanks.

Nov 06, 2014 07:18 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

You are on a roll with these fun videos, Rene! I adore Elsie - and loved the music behind the chat - you are so "soulful," and I so appreciate that about YOU.

Nov 07, 2014 11:21 PM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Hi Debb... Let me say that what I thought I had on my camera and what I actually had ended up being 2 very different things. But it was still a fun project and Elsie was such a wonderful character, how could it not work... Thanks so much for the feature on YouTube Thrusdays!

Nov 08, 2014 01:19 AM
Rain Silverhawk
Sandpoint Realty rain@lakeandhomes.com - Sandpoint, ID
208-610-0011 Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate Realtor

Great post Rene.  I understand your thoughts on this.   I worked in Skilled nursing facilities  (Convelesent homes)  I can remember coming home and telling my kids that if I am ever to that point do not put me in a home.  After that time I spent many years specializing in Home Health and Hospice and learned just how precious each life is right up until the end.  There is always a lesson, there is always a joy and a spark and a smile in the simplest of times.  When one human being takes time to recognize and celebrate the life of another in any small way, it is a shared joy and a rejuvination.  May there be many Elsies in your life and many Renes in hers.

Nov 08, 2014 02:11 PM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Hi Rain... I couldn't agree with you more! Amen!

 

Nov 11, 2014 01:41 AM