True Story of Music Saving a Life

Driving out of the mall yesterday, I saw a guy begging on the corner and playing a guitar. He was viciously tan, he had a black beard and dreads, and his head was topped with a cowboy hat. I drove back to give him a few bucks. (I typically don't, but I try to encourage anyone who is actually working hard to contribute, such as lemonade stands, and here's a guy making an effort.) I rolled down my window and as we talked I noticed how sharp his eyes were and how engaging his personality was, and after we said a couple things he ended with "Thanks, brother!" He was obviously an interesting character, but he also had an impressive personality. I wanted to hang out with him more so I bought him dinner and I was not disappointed.

This isn't really about Leo. This story is about his encounter with Eli, another homeless guy who plays the cello. Or, at least, he used to play it... he may not be around any more. But I personally recall the sound of a cello decades ago when I would pass the malls downtown in Salt Lake City.

Leo grew up and spent most of his time here in the valley. There was a day when he was under a lot of pressure from every direction: his wife, his boss, and even his parents. Of course, there's the ever-looming pressures to just maintain money and even life, and these are especially hard when you start without many resources. He didn't say exactly what was so hard that day, but he found himself overwhelmed while waiting for the train. He's always valued living, experiencing life one day at a time; however, in that moment he felt like he really wanted it all to be over. He had so much pain, and it would be so simple to fall in front of the train. So that was it: he would end things right there.

But then he heard that cello. He turned and listened, then walked over, and as he was standing there he felt all of that anxiety wash away. That music at that moment saved his life. And he says Eli knew it, because he looked up at Leo with a twinkle in his eye.

Since then Leo has started to play in public places and he has seen people look at him with that same kind of gratitude, sometimes with tears in their eyes. He got a bit emotional talking about the effects other people's music has had on him recently.

I listened to his story without getting too emotional myself, but I know this kind of soulful experience is more of what I want in my life.

The Cello Player by Majykal-Melodi