Twilight Wish provides joyful noise
JEFFERSON TWP — ValGean Nelson has been tickling the ivories for 80 years and, thanks to Twilight Wish, her hobby can continue indefinitely.
The well-used piano in Nelson's small living room is broken, meaning she was unable to play the hymns and worship music she holds dear.
Enter Jean Bowen, the director of Butler Twilight Wish, which “honors and acknowledges seniors for all they have given to others by bringing comfort and joy into their lives through individual wish-granting celebrations,” according to the organization's website.
Bowen and five others from the local Twilight Wish group recently delivered and set up an electric keyboard and stand for an appreciative Nelson.
The group will also remove the broken piano.
“It's wonderful,” Nelson said of the keyboard. “I'll be able to continue to play the Lord's music.”
Nelson served as the pianist and organist for 11 years at Hannahstown Road Baptist Church in Cabot and at Concordia Lutheran Ministries for many years.She gave up those activities a few months ago and missed the satisfaction of playing.Being able to play the keyboard each day will lift her spirits, Nelson said.“It makes you think you're worth something,” she said. “I got to the point where I was good for nothing because I can't do this and I can't do that.”She said God provides the little things she needs now that she doesn't drive and has decreased her level of activity.“I know He's close because I talk to Him all the time,” Nelson said. “I never say 'amen' because I want to keep the door open.”Bowen said Twilight Wish, which started in Doylestown, Bucks County, has chapters all over the United States that have provided seniors of meager means with hot-air balloon rides, meet-and-greets with professional athletes, hearing aids, appliances and many other wishes.Money to fulfill the wishes comes from fundraisers and donations.“If we don't have the funds to (fulfill a wish), we go find them,” Bowen said. “We want these older folks to know there are people who care.”Seniors must be nominated for a wish and meet income guidelines.Cheryl Huf, a social worker with Life Butler County who works with Nelson, nominated Nelson for the keyboard. Huf said Nelson is very deserving of the device.“She is a wonderful lady,” Huf said. “She's given back to the community for so many years.”Following a few tweaks to the keyboard's sound and height, Nelson's apartment was filled with the soaring strains of “How Great Thou Art.”Bowen said she and the rest of the Butler Twilight Wish chapter are always delighted by the reaction of the seniors who are receiving a wish.“That just makes your day,” Bowen said as she gestured toward Nelson at the keyboard. “How could it not?”Bowen had a new spring in her step after receiving her new keyboard.“The piano has given me something to live for,” she said.More information on Twilight Wish, as well as the opportunity to donate or nominate a senior, is available at <a href="www.twilightwish.org">www.twilightwish.org</a> or by calling Bowen at 724-290-3288.
