Orchestra Observation

A violin is an instrument you can find in any orchestra. An orchestra is comprised of many different instruments creating different sounds to ultimately create one harmonious sound. At the Masonic Homes of Kentucky, simply having a conversation or giving the residents their mail, allowed me to hear the different voices, but in the end all of the positivity and smiles allowed me to witness the harmonious sound in the people. The harmonious sound for them was living life itself.

Once people reach a certain age, they are thought lesser of because a lot of society renders them “useless.” The Masonic Homes aims to promote an environment where everyone that enters feels welcomed and cared for no matter their age. To allow the instruments to play without any hitches, the conductor must handle themselves accordingly. The countless workers and volunteers at the Masonic Homes make it possible for the

inclusiveness. Unfortunately, there are the less fortunate elderly of our society that have a sound of sorrow. The residents of the Masonic Homes are lucky that they have the family members that love them enough to put them in such great hands.
One of the most gracious people I met at the Masonic Homes is a woman named Ella.

Ella went completely blind in her time at the Masonic Homes, but she made it her mission to memorize every single order of her bingo cards so no one would have to help her. Sitting with Ella one day, I learned about her son who was in the Louisville Youth Orchestra. He played the violin and one year they got invited to Switzerland. She told me of all of the different places and how in each and every place, the people always seemed so nice. To Ella, it was just another story to tell, but to me it was the inspiration for this paper. Ella loves to share her stories and me sitting there for that hour impacted her profoundly and me as well. Ella is not the only one with amazing stories to tell and we must make sure that we are available to listen, continuing to contribute to the common good. There is not much more to give of yourself, than the gift of time to the people. Making sure they are well fed, bathed, and clothed everyday is the assurance each resident is never being given nothing but the

best.
Having gone to the Masonic Homes since freshman year, I feel that is has the been the same thing over and over again. This year, I feel very different in a good way. I used to just put their mail or puzzle packet down and then dart out. I found that in just staying for those two extra minutes when someone wanted to talk, was not bad at all.