A BIG TOE IN RECITAL

A BIG TOE IN RECITAL

                  by Fred M. Allen

While a student at East Texas State University in Commerce, TX, I was in need of part-time work to assist with living expenses. A professor was kind enough to give me a job working in her yard. On that particular day, I was mowing the lawn with an electric lawn mower which was the first time I had ever used a power mower. When I pulled the mower backwards and failed to pull my right foot back in time, a serious accident happened.

I felt the blade hit my shoe and was afraid to look to see if it had reached my toe. When I saw the blood oozing out from my big toe I knew the damage had been done. The blade had sliced off the top of the toe, but, fortunately, it did not reach the bone.  

The professor took me to the University Clinic immediately where the doctor cleaned the toe and soaked my foot up past the ankle in a dark brown solution. Then, he dressed the big toe and tied around it a big white bandage and then released me.  

All was well except that I was scheduled to play in a closed piano recital that very night at 6:00 pm which meant that the recital had already begun. Knowing the importance of this first recital, I went on to the recital while wearing my dirty work clothes, a left shoe, and a big white bandage on my right big toe – and a very brown right foot!

I found my teacher seated behind all the students - each of whom was dressed either in suits and ties or nice dresses. The program was underway as various students were playing their respective pieces.  

I told my teacher about my accident and apologized for being late and improperly dressed. She expressed concern and asked if I felt like playing my recital piece. I assured her that I did, so she invited me to participate at the assigned place on the program.

It was not until I came to the piano that the other students saw how I was dressed. They snickered and enjoyed the moment for they assumed I had intentionally challenged the teacher’s insistence that we come appropriately dressed for the recital. I proceeded to play my piece flawlessly, much to the surprise of the students and the delight of my teacher and myself for sure. Only after the recital did the students realize that my injury was for real. They were quick to apologize for laughing at me when I came to the piano dressed as I was.

From that day I have never again pulled a power mower over my foot; and I have never forgotten the understanding which my teacher showed, for she easily could have denied me from participating in the important piano recital. Sometimes when we make mistakes, others may not be so understanding as were my teacher and my fellow students that night. They were very kind to me.

My toe healed soon and I was able to remove the bandage and actually wear a shoe again after several days. Thank you, Lord, for guarding me against a more serious injury and for Your healing power which was such a blessing. Also, thank You for teachers and students who really care.A BIG TOE IN RECITAL

                  by Fred M. Allen

While a student at East Texas State University in Commerce, TX, I was in need of part-time work to assist with living expenses. A professor was kind enough to give me a job working in her yard. On that particular day, I was mowing the lawn with an electric lawn mower which was the first time I had ever used a power mower. When I pulled the mower backwards and failed to pull my right foot back in time, a serious accident happened.

I felt the blade hit my shoe and was afraid to look to see if it had reached my toe. When I saw the blood oozing out from my big toe I knew the damage had been done. The blade had sliced off the top of the toe, but, fortunately, it did not reach the bone.  

The professor took me to the University Clinic immediately where the doctor cleaned the toe and soaked my foot up past the ankle in a dark brown solution. Then, he dressed the big toe and tied around it a big white bandage and then released me.  

All was well except that I was scheduled to play in a closed piano recital that very night at 6:00 pm which meant that the recital had already begun. Knowing the importance of this first recital, I went on to the recital while wearing my dirty work clothes, a left shoe, and a big white bandage on my right big toe – and a very brown right foot!

I found my teacher seated behind all the students - each of whom was dressed either in suits and ties or nice dresses. The program was underway as various students were playing their respective pieces.  

I told my teacher about my accident and apologized for being late and improperly dressed. She expressed concern and asked if I felt like playing my recital piece. I assured her that I did, so she invited me to participate at the assigned place on the program.

It was not until I came to the piano that the other students saw how I was dressed. They snickered and enjoyed the moment for they assumed I had intentionally challenged the teacher’s insistence that we come appropriately dressed for the recital. I proceeded to play my piece flawlessly, much to the surprise of the students and the delight of my teacher and myself for sure. Only after the recital did the students realize that my injury was for real. They were quick to apologize for laughing at me when I came to the piano dressed as I was.

From that day I have never again pulled a power mower over my foot; and I have never forgotten the understanding which my teacher showed, for she easily could have denied me from participating in the important piano recital. Sometimes when we make mistakes, others may not be so understanding as were my teacher and my fellow students that night. They were very kind to me.

My toe healed soon and I was able to remove the bandage and actually wear a shoe again after several days. Thank you, Lord, for guarding me against a more serious injury and for Your healing power which was such a blessing. Also, thank You for teachers and students who really care.