Many families and friends have been unable to visit one another due to the virus. So, many have turned to video calls as an alternative form of visiting with their loved ones. Although I’m thankful for this alternative form of communication, it just doesn’t compare to getting to see someone in person. I think just about everyone these days can understand this from my perspective.
Like many of us, Robert Graham from Virginia didn’t want to let the virus stop him from seeing his family in Montana. However, he didn’t want to risk getting his family sick. And with his brother, Bill, living in a nursing home, he’d be unable to physically visit with him anyway due to the facility’s restrictions. Luckily, he found a great alternative: to have a trombone concert play for him outside of his residence!
So, Robert drove 1,400 miles to Bozeman all the way to Gallatin County Rest Home. There, he planned to get together with other trombone players, thanks to a connection he had with someone, to help him execute his plan.
“Jeannie Little, the current trombone instructor at Montana State is an old friend of mine,” Robert said. “She used to teach at James Madison University in Virginia. So I called Jeannie up and said, ‘Jeannie put together a trombone section for me,’ and I brought the music and here we are.”
Five people with trombones ended up playing various songs for Bill. Not only did Bill appreciate the gesture, who has be “sick and injured” according to his wife, but Robert found peace partaking in the activity.
“It’s resonance. And that’s the reason I got my trombone together. When you resonate chords with other people, you realize that you’re connected to them in a very non-verbal way.”
Robert believes the 1,400 drive was very much worth it, especially since he hadn’t been able to see his brother in a while.
“I’m just here to be here for him. And I think he realized that I drove all this way for him because I love him, and all you can do is show up,” he said.
Bill sure has a supportive family! The pandemic might have everyone a little crazy right now, but Robert is such a good guy for doing something that complies with social distancing while still making the effort to show up for his sibling.
Listen to the concert below. What a unique way to show some brotherly love during the pandemic!
