Jeanne on living with purpose

At some point back in the spring, I started playing the piano out here. I enjoyed it, but also I knew that by playing the piano, which I played when I was young, it would be really good for my brain because I’d had falls on both of my arms—it was a good way to get back in shape as an older person.

I started coming after supper and playing and I found that some women would come and join me, and just sit and listen to the music. I got into the habit of playing until 8:30 so that they came to expect that I would quit then, and they could go home. Actually, along with playing the pieces, I’d started singing the pieces and the people who were there wanted to be able to sing along, too.

So we got some words ready for them—we found those song books from Reader’s Digest with songs that everybody knew, more or less—so that they could follow along. And that's when we really took off. Once they had the words, they’d come regularly and ask me if I was coming that night to play.

People have said that I’m a joybringer, and I’ll take that, because it’s true—making music brings some joy and pleasure to us all. And it’s helped people get to know each other here, too. It’s created a community point around music.

Now people let each other know whether Jeanne’s going to be playing tonight or not. I even made a sign that says ‘No music tonight’ so that when it's there, they know I won't be around that evening. But one night somebody told me that they came and sang anyway...! And that's the thing, right? Now it’s taken on a life of its own!

It's been quite wonderful and given me some real purpose in life—it’s really, really important to me. They thank me all the time, but I tell them that they can’t imagine how much I enjoy what I’m doing because I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t enjoy it.

—Jeanne Taylor