Bob 
Said
SaidSometimes when the mood hits me, I go to church early and warm up my fingers tickling the ivories on the "piano side" as that comedian Chonda would say.
This I did. Bob arrived.
Bob is a new member, he's about my height and weight, he's older than me. He's been through the "wars" in both senses of the word, (rough life, 30 years sober, and armed services veteran) and just discovered his mother and sister were members of our church. He's feeling connected and extremely exuberantly blessed. Praises God continuously.
And I promise you, this whole thing is true!
He talked. I played.
"If That Isn't Love"
I asked about his wife. She didn't come with him this time. He totally, committedly loves her. Just this summer they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
He said, "If I were her I'd've gotten rid of me a long time ago."
I laughed my head off.
He continued visiting. I played some more.
"Love Is Why"
He says, "I graduated high school. But I have trouble remembering things. You know what I mean?"
"A friend said to me" and he taps his left temple lightly, "There's gotta be some thing up there."
I laughed. I laughed not only because he's funny but because his self-deprecation doesn't match what I see and hear.
A young girl comes in and addresses the room with wide eyes, "There's a whole busload of people out there! They're coming in here to church!" And they did. Oddly, they all seated themselves on the right side of the aisle.
The minister comes in and takes his place up front.
Bob leaves me and ambles to his seat. I finish playing the last measures.
"Where Could I Go"
As I rise from the piano bench and get a good look around, the whole right side is FULL!
The left side is bare; except for one lowly, loyal person. Bob.
He's sitting midway down and next to a window. He and I both know the stragglers will soon fill up the left side but I just had to say it.
"Bob! You're all alone on that side."
He's quick, he grins, his eyes twinkle, he's funny today:
"With all my friends!"
