This piano brings back so many memories; it has been with me for decades. I’ve played since I was a child and devoted my life to this tremendous talent. My father played this very song and piano on his golden wedding anniversary. Moreover this has been passed down through generations and more to come.
Two years ago my wife Audrey passed in this room. She died of a stroke after finishing our favourite song (The Blue Danube by Strauss). We met at a party 53 years whilst I played the piano. Every time I play this song, my memories of her come flooding back faster than you can say flashback. Sometimes I feel a hand touch my ancient shoulder.
Going back even further in my labyrinth of memories, I remember the wicked war… Courageous Chris (my best friend) was shot during action. It haunts me to this day. I still believe what happened that day was my fault. At least I was allowed to go to his funeral.
When it was my birthday (21st January) my dad came in and slipped a large blue parcel under the piano. Tearing it open I watched as my mother and father smiled warmly at me. Plonk! A hobby horse dropped out. Riding round the piano I shot down the bad guys and jumped over the obstacles.
Ryan Chapman