Strength of Strings
from Horseback Riding to Centre Stage
(part 3)
Then at last almost five months after accident, doctors decided to discharge her and allowed to go home with low vision and defected leg. She was advised to remain under regular medical checkup and physical therapies at home. All the doctors, Psychologist and senior medical team collectively visited Patricia’s room. Those moments were memorable and with mixed feelings. the doctors admitted that the accident was of very severe and of unique nature. Dr. Hassan said, “It is not less than a miracle to see you today in this condition. Many stages came during these months when I lost hope.” They all shared their feelings during different stages of treatment. and Mrs. Thomas thanked them all of their cooperative attitude and high levels of professional skills’. Michael asked Monica to remain in contact with child as that recovery stage could have never been achieved without her musical therapy. Patricia requested Monica to visit her home at least once a week which she smilingly accepted. Same evening Thomas family left hospital with tears in their and staff’s eyes. No one knew whether tears were of joy or sorrow.
Photo by Milena de Narvaez Ayllon: https://www.pexels.com/photo/panning-photo-of-person-riding-on-horse-2889030/
The home staff was pleased to see Patricia back at home. Everyone wanted to push her wheel chair inside. In next few days some renovations were done at home as per the new requirements and advice of doctors. Bathroom style was changed and elevator was fixed as Patricia insisted to be in her own room on first floor. Life started moving on. Silence in home was broken. No doubt, Patricia was no more seen now running here and there or on horseback but now soft melodies spread all over the home.
Some days later Patricia insisted to see her white horse. Mr. Thomas requested Monica to be there at that time as she may handle any possible bad behavior of Patricia. Next evening all sat in farmhouse lawn when white horse was brought in. The horse smelling the presence of her owner started jumping in joy. Patricia tried to get up to pat but then fell on chair with pain. The horse danced here and there and then cried as inviting her boss to ride. Patricia as per past routine served food to horse with her own hands. Everyone enjoyed the evening.
Photo by Julia Volk: https://www.pexels.com/photo/young-mongolian-man-with-eagle-riding-horse-5275516/
School management was glad to see their old student. They despite disability, happily accepted and promised to provide her every possible facility. During the sports hour Patricia got upset and sat sad when all fellows went to enjoy their sports. This had been her the most favorite time during school hours. Monica took special interest to overcome this sad phase. She had meetings with school management and convinced them to start music coaching class as part of sports hour. Patricia got too much happy on hearing that. She once again admired Monica’s role.
A well trained and experienced musical teacher Mr. Jackson was hired in school. Patricia preferred playing guitar and started learning that. Her parents wanted to see her happy and so decided to take private services of Jackson. He as per the contract started coming home daily to teach guitar. Mr. Thomas provided every instrument which Patricia’s teacher asked for. Patricia was happy in new life despite many limitations. She after that never insisted for horseback riding nor remembered past days. However, she made a habit of giving company to her white horse at least twice a week.
Many months later, one evening Jackson told Mrs. Thomas, “Patricia has a very sweet and attractive voice. As per my experience, this is purely natural talent.” Mrs. Thomas took interest in it and said, “I have heard many times her whispering while playing guitar but could not form any opinion.” Jackson replied, “If you allow me, I can get 2nd opinion about her voice quality.” Mrs. Thomas first kept quiet and then shook her head in positive way.
Next week Mrs. Nancy a well-known singing teacher came with courtesy of Jackson. They sat in Patricia’s room for quite some time and checked her voice as well as her playing go guitar. Mrs. Nancy then while sharing her opinion with Mr. and Mrs. Thomas said, “Your daughter is surely talented. This type of talent is very unique in this age group. She needs proper coaching. Mrs. Nancy ran her own singing coaching center and had a busy schedule but for Patricia’s sake she agreed to coach her twice a week. Other formalities were finalized.
She admired the style and quality of her guitar playing. Jackson at this stage disclosed, “Next month a musical competition is being held at Seattle. Although the category and age group are different but he is trying to get her registered there. Her just participation will help her a lot.” Patricia and her parents got happy on hearing that
Patricia worked hard in next weeks and on guidelines of Jackson. She practiced different tones on guitar. Mr. Thomas arranged all the instruments which Mrs. Nancy wanted. Patricia’s parents just wanted their daughter happy.
Then the day came, of first ever musical competition in which Patricia had to show her talent of guitar playing. It was three-day competition with more than 100 competitors. Patricia went daily to listen to others. Jackson, Joe and John and a servant joined her. Their company was very supportive. On 3rd day when Particia was to play her instrument, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas also went there and sat in front rows along Jackson. On her turn, Joe pushed her wheel chair to stage while John carried her guitar. Other competitors and audience were stunned to see her age and the way she came on stage. She looked very smart and impressive. A complete silence prevailed in hall when she started playing on getting signal from head Judge. Joe and John remained standing behind her to boost her morale. High quality sound system supported her and sound of her strings echoed in every ear. Her confidence astonished many including Jackson. The three judges concentrated on movements of her fingers on strings and listened carefully the melodies produced by her tiny fingers. Everyone was astonished on her performance. She was youngest of all competitors. Ath the end of competition she got 3rd position. The whole family was delighted. It was start of her achievements.
The news of her winning position spread in town and school like a fire. Weeks and months passed. She kept on working hard on the guidance of Jackson and Mrs. Nancy. She went in high school. She participated in many competitions and astonished with her performance of her voice and fingers. She was invited to perform in all family, school functions and local gatherings. Jackson and Mrs. Nancy helped her to participate in many concerts which helped her to improve her presentation, performance and confidence. During all her performances, Joe and John stood behind her despite their own busy educational schedules.
Some years later, one evening Mrs. Nancy called Mr. Thomson to have a meeting with them Jackson also joined the sitting next evening in comfortable environment of farm house. Patricia invited Monica also for cup of tea. Over these years her advice and moral support had always been beside Patricia. There Mrs. Nancy said, “I have taken time to inform you that National Musical Talent show is going to be held on 25th December in Los Angeles.” Patricia’s parents thought that she was there to convince Patricia to attend that show. Mrs. Nancy while giving details of National Talent show told, “The sections for the final Show has started. I without informing you, submitted her credentials about three months Bac. More than 2000 musicians applied there.” Mrs. Nancy took a sip of coffee and said, “Today Patricia is lucky enough to be part of 100 successful singers to have entered in 2nd phase. Mrs. Thomas could not believe it and was sitting with wide open eyes. Mrs. Nancy while looking at Patricia said, “I have forwarded the confirmation email at your address and for future correspondence have directed them to your email address.” Patricia slightly shook. Her email and all her schedule of functions and commitments were looked after by her brother Joe.
Mrs. Nancy after a pause continued, “Competition and selection for the final phase is going to be held on 15 the of this month. 20 successful singers will perform in Final Talent show. That show is going to be a big event. It will be held in open air stadium in front of almost 50000spectators.” Mr. Thomas could not keep himself quiet and interrupted, “Do you think she can perform there or can even reach there?” Mrs. Nancy at once in a bit loud tone questioned, “Why Not?” Jackson at that point added, “Time has come for her to present herself and perform at new levels. I am quite hopeful that she will bring good results. Leaving aside any position in final phase, even the participation in that sort of event will surely bring new opportunities.”
Mrs. Nancy said, “Don’t be afraid. She is our daughter and now we have a long association with your family. Let us work on the new challenge.” There was a silence in room for some minutes. Same thoughts were in minds of Monica and Mrs. Thomas that how fast time had run. The child who struggled for life on hospital bed, was today going for National Talent show. Mrs. Nancy broke the silence and said, “Time is too short and we have to prepare her for the coming selection day. It is going to be comparatively small show in an auditorium. We all will go there with Patricia.” Then they all sat there for quite some time planning for next days.
Mrs. Thomas prepared new dresses for herself, daughter, Nancy and Monica. After all it was going to be a big day that her daughter despite all the problems, hurdles and disabilities had now reached the stage of performing in other city. This of course would have never been possible without the help and support of those two ladies and Jackson.
A few days later, they all traveled to New Jersey for selection and second scrutiny. John and his parents also joined them. It was a good gathering of around 5000 people. Patricia was the only disabled competitor. Her teachers continuously boosted her morale and reminded her to be confident among all the other fit ladies and gents. Her performance on stage was classic. As per the format she sung two songs of her choice while three tones were given by board of judges. They returned with high hopes. It was a new exposure for Patricia and she felt uplifted.
On fourth evening when Patricia was taking musical class, Joe informed his parents that Patricia had qualified for the final phase. They all went upstairs in Patricia’s room with tears of happiness in eyes. On hearing the news, Patricia could not control herself and wept a lot.
Jackson and Nancy sat down alone to chalk down a schedule for her rehearsals at different places, environments in next one month. Next days were very busy for Patricia. She worked hard day and night and was taken almost daily to different places in small and big gatherings to perform. Last one week was spared for her rest. She was given a diet program to ensure her health for big day.
Thomas family purchased tickets for John family, Patricia’s teachers and her main doctors who played key role in her days in hospital some years back. Dr. Michael and Dr. Peter had retired but Mr. and Mrs. Thomas visited them at their homes to personally invite for the prestigious day. Dr. Michael could not believe and embraced Thomas with joy. All the doctors assured of their company and presence in that event. Nancy and Jackson carefully checked quality of Guitars and other necessary items before packing. They kept three guitars as precautionary measures and times.
They all gathered at Seattle Airport a day before the function. It was all done to ensure Patricia’s proper rest in hotel and her adjusting to new climate. It was more than Two hours flight to Los Angeles. Soon after settling in hotel, Jackson went to management office responsible for holding “National Musical Talent Show “(NMTS) to report presence of Pattricia in city. He was told to enter from Gate No. 7 and for that was issued special gate pass. On his request all the persons accompanying Patricia were also allowed to enter from same gate. All the seats were reserved in one enclosure near to each other.
Next evening Patricia was a bit puzzled and astonished to see such a big gathering. She had never before performed in such an environment. Mr. And Mrs. Thomas were also worried but felt some comfort because of presence of Jackson a, Nancy and Monica. They all had the capability to handle any unforeseen in their fields
Colorful show started on time as per schedule. In the start some renowned professionals performed on big stage at one end of stadium. Big screens made easy for every guest to closely watch performance on stage. Sound system was of high class and stage well illuminated while rest area under dim lights The whole environment was too fascinating. Then finally time came for the competitors to perform and show their talent. The participants of competition were to be called on alphabetical order . . .Five Judges settled on one side of stage. Patricia’s heart started thumping fast. She sat in middle of Nancy and Monica followed by her parents. Jackson sat just on her back and in middle of Joe and John Doctors along families had their seats in same row.
Then time came when name “Patricia Thomas” was announced from Stage. Joe, John, Jackson and her personal helper stood to help her settle in wheel chair. Patricia had some mixed feelings. Monica had final words with her patient before Joe and John pushed wheel chair towards stage. Jackson followed with expensive guitar. All the cameras covering show focused on he. All the big screens showed a young, smart and innocent face going for a big test. There was some clapping in stadium while others sat in silence. The stage organizers helped to have wheel chair at right place and in right direction. Joe and John as usual stood behind her while Jackson on handing over guitar to Patricia came down and stood just below stage to watch her student’s performance on big screen. Patricia signaled musicians behind her to keep silent in first song. She started singing her first song with the help of her guitar music. The sound system echoed her sweet voice all around. It was complete silence. Camera on stage focused on her face and thin small fingers playing with strings. It was a unique type of song without any extra music. The second song was also of her choice but with totally different rhythm. The crowd was stunned by the performance of a young disabled girl. Her confidence was remarkable. Her doctors were astonished to hear her performance, confidence and grip on guitar. the last three songs were as per lines and tones given by judges. At the end of last song, the whole crowd stood up on their seats to applaud. Her performance on stage was just amazing. Jackson immediately went up to lift guitar and congratulate her student. The stage organizers congratulated him and Patricia. She left stage with tears in colored eyes behind glasses. Jackson and Nancy exchanged their views and notes. They were confident of her attaining a position if and provided the results were compiled purely on merit.
Late in night t Judges sat collectively in silence to compile results in sound of background music. After a short while a beautiful young lady came on rostrum with envelope having names of winners. Patricia’s heart beat went too fast. All the lips around her started praying for her. The lady announced the name “Loucia Joseph” for 3rd position and “Andrew Bush”. Patricia bowed her head down with heart beat getting slower and slower. Then there was complete silence in stadium for few moments 3. Then ears heard lady’s voice saying First position goes to “Patricia Thomas “Everyone around her stood up. There was big noise of clapping and nothing could be heard. She could not believe that what had been announced. Joe and John proudly pushed her wheel chair and waved the enthusiastic crowd. Patricia’s parents, teachers and team of doctors stared at big screen with flowing eyes. Those were unbelievable moments.
Judges and crowd were fascinated by Patricia’s talent and strong spirit. She had not only won competition but also hearts. All the organizers, musicians and Judges on stage rose on their feet in recognition of her outstanding performance and remarkable achievement
Patricia was asked to share her feelings on receiving award and cash prize of $20000/ in thunderous applause and clapping. She sat for few seconds holding mike trying to collect her thoughts as this was neither discussed nor told by her teachers.
She then in a shivering voice spoke, “It has been a long journey starting from horseback to this Centre Stage. The road which brought me here was very bumpy full of pains, struggles, hardships and then dreams came in blank eyes because of support and love of Teachers, Doctors and Parents. It has been a journey of determination and resilience. Horseback riding was my passion but then Joe and John gave me strength through strings.” There was huge clapping from all over. Her parents and Nancy did not believe that it was Patricia saying all that.
At that point famous Film producer Mr. Trump suddenly came on stage, took mike and invited Patricia to sing Title song of his upcoming movie. Patricia burst out and wept like a child. She could not believe that how far she had come.
Keywords:
Patricia Thomas
Horseback Riding
Medical Journey
Musical Therapy
Recovery Stage
Guitar Playing
National Musical Talent Show
Disability Triumph
Family Support
Mrs. Nancy
Mr. Jackson
Resilience and Determination
School Inclusion
Musical Competitions
Film Producer Mr. Trump
Center stage
Airport
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