What an unexpectedly extraordinary Thanksgiving. I’m still feeling overwhelmed. Bear with me here, it will be worth it. It started with me arranging to see & try out a few baby grand pianos near Montreal. It’s the second visit that I think will stay with me the rest of my life.

I was greeted by a lovely woman, age 61, the same as me. She was in a mask and so was I. She brought me to the piano. It was bought six years ago but looked like new. I asked her why she was selling it.

She told me that she had to stop playing it shortly after buying it. Her husband, a year younger than her, had retired at 54, suffering from early-onset Alzheimer’s. From then on she has devoted all her time to him and has had no time for the piano.

We talked a little more, then I tried out the piano. She started to cry. Being the same age, we have similar taste in music. What I played was a song that she and her husband listened to way back when. She left the room and returned a few minutes later.

When she came back she had her husband. They had not been out as a couple in years. They sat on a couch and she just held him while I played some of their favourite songs. After 45 minutes I thought I was overstaying my welcome, but she asked for more music. She was still crying.

I ended up playing to them for an hour and a half. He never said a word to me, other than his name. But he never stopped smiling. He would sing along to the songs I was playing. He knew every word.

When I left they were standing together at the door, arm in arm. She was crying, he looked very content. I am so thankful that I got to be part of bringing these lovely people back together, however briefly. And I’m thankful for the power of music.

And I’m thankful that I am still able to create new memories with my wife and children and friends. This man was hit hard with Alzheimer’s at 54. He is so lucky to have a wife who took her vows so seriously. It was an overwhelmingly inspirational experience.