Sometimes You Hear with Your Heart
"Where words fail, music speaks." -Hans Christian Andersen ~ (Perhaps one of my favorite quotes of all time.)
Back in 2019, CBS Evening News covered a story about an autistic, non-verbal boy who was in the audience at Boston Symphony Hall with his grandfather. They were witnessing the magic of a performance of the Handel and Haydn Society orchestra.
For those of you who have had the pleasure of being in this hallowed hall, you know that there is a certain audience protocol; there’s an accepted demeanor and behavior that results in total silence on behalf of the listener. It is only at the very end of a song that the audience will show its appreciation through thunderous applause.
But at this performance, just as the song concluded and before the audience reacted, the boy in attendance broke through the silence and uttered, “WOW!” with equal parts volume and genuine awe.
Quite a departure from symphony norms, for sure. But for an autistic, non-verbal boy? This was an expression that came from deep within his soul. Music broke through whatever barriers he contends with on a daily basis. And, for a split second, he was moved enough to communicate his genuine emotion with the rest of the world…audibly.
Pretty powerful.
Sometimes, there truly aren’t words. But for those of us who have the luxury of communicating freely and at will, I can’t imagine what it would be like to NOT be able to express my gratitude, amazement, or emotion whenever I was feeling it. To have those emotions swirling in a storm inside my soul and not have the mechanics to express my feelings would be rather, well, torturous.
I don’t know a lot of people who are autistically non-verbal. But after hearing this story, it makes me appreciate my ability to express myself that much more. I respect that there is a time and place to express my emotions, but I will never again take for granted my ability to do so. I consider myself an excellent communicator. But, for those of us who aren’t, here are a few friendly reminders:
Express your gratitude. Tell them, “Thank you.” Do it often.
Share your admiration. Tell them, “I love you.” Always is never enough.
And when it comes to music? Never, ever be afraid to be the audience member who claps the loudest. (And, feel free to hoot and holler if the spirit moves you. Music deserves it.)
You can watch CBS Evening News Story Here
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