Writing a Gentler Song

Chuck sitting at the piano. He had a way of making people feel he was playing just for them. 

We’re so happy for R3 Program guest Chuck, who is leaving the Eugene Mission for his new apartment, but we’re going to miss our resident musician, gentleman and friend.

He said he’s glad circumstances brought him here because he learned a lot about compassion, and other people, during his stay.

“I’ve been very solitary, working on music, but here, you have to socialize and you hear other people’s stories,” Chuck said. “It softened me up quite a bit – I used to be kind of a hard guy.”

He said warehouse manager Shane in particular taught him about compassion: “He’s exceptional,” Chuck said. “I really value working with him; he’s so considerate!”

Chuck plays several instruments, but his skill on the piano was evident to anyone who was blessed to hear him play in the chapel, where he would practice sometimes.

His music had a way of making people feel like he was playing just for them. One day, as the sound of a jazz composition floated from the chapel into the hallway of our main building, guests were drawn in by the sound. Chuck was sitting at the piano, pouring his heart and creativity into the notes.

He didn’t know it in the moment, but his music was connecting everyone in the room because beauty has a way of doing that.

Thank you for blessing us, Chuck.