My husband and I had arrived early enough to read the concert notes and learn about Strauss and his impetus for writing the piece. But that was not to be. Instead, the lone woman in the seat next to mine started a conversation. She was nice enough, and I didn't want to be rude so I politely engaged with her. Next thing you know she was deep into a monologue wherein I learned the following:
She hadn't attended the symphony for many years because she was stuck at home caring for her aging father. He could walk with a walker or a cane but was unsteady on his feet so could not be left alone. He could go to the bathroom by himself, until the last six months, but she had to make all his meals. He finally died in mid-January at age 100 and then she had to take care of the funeral arrangements, etc.
She lives with her son who just barely graduated high school saying,"It was hard but he did it. No college though." Now he is working as a cook at the Embassy Suites.
Her mother passed away three years ago and that was very hard for her. She teared up while saying that.
My mind was blown. I couldn't see any way out. The concert was about to begin and I worried she would talk to me for the next two-plus hours. All I could do was pray to God that she would magically disappear, when suddenly a man came down our row holding up his ticket and saying," I think you're in my seat." He was right: we were in Row Q and Chatty Kathy was supposed to be in row O. She got up and moved and the nice quiet man sat down next to me.
I was thrilled. A miracle had occurred! It wasn't until later that night that I got sort of annoyed: Sure, God answers my teeny little prayers but ignores all the big stuff. Oh well, I guess it's better than nothing.
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