CAS Reflections- Piano Playing

Okay so normally when Kenzie and I go to the retirement centers we perform for the ward consisting of those with diminished mental capacity due to Alzheimer's Disease. Performing for this group of people was great for Mackenzie to practice her magic show tricks in that she can be in front of an audience without need to get too nervous because they don't really interact with her. Subsequently, no one really talks to me when I play the piano before and after her performances. I just sit down, do my thing, and while no doubt they register that music is played, no one says anything to me. I was pretty used to this routine and I had no problem with it. However, one time when we performed it was for those more mentally capable at the retirement center. I did my part at the beginning as the people was filing into the room then Mackenzie did her magic tricks. Afterwards I got back on the piano to provide music as Kenzie mingled with the audience and packed up her tricks. I had brought a few piano books with me and some individual pieces and I'd gone through the individual pieces before the show so I had to play out of one of the books. I didn't know the particular song I was attempting to play very well because I hadn't really practiced it extensively, so it was pretty awful. I just cringed through it and tried my best to finish the song when halfway through I noticed this woman standing next to me. She didn't say anything, she just stood there. I get really nervous when people watch me play so I sounded even worse. I finished the song and turned to pack up when she said something that has stuck with me. It was to the tune of, "Thank you so much for coming and playing. It was wonderful. God bless you." She just kept thanking me and saying how much she appreciated me coming. I was so touched by her words. I had sounded absolutely horrible and yet she had such kind things to say to me. I had been so used to playing for those who were incapable of reacting to my music that I had almost forgotten that I was performing at the retirement home for others and not just because I needed CAS hours. I had really been going to the retirement because of obligation, but now I see volunteering as truly blessing the lives of others and I'm so thankful for that sweet woman for reminding me of that.