Sunday, November 11, 2007 — Today, we proudly honor 13 women of Stanly County that impact our lives for the better as music makers and caregivers.

While at one level, the two groups are distinctly different, at a deeper level, there is a common bond that ties together these two beautiful expressions of humanity.

The inspiration for our theme was visually sewn a couple decades back when I visited my mother at the local hospital. She was recovering from a heart attack and the hospital staff was lovingly caring for her and she was recovering nicely.

While visiting with her, she made me aware that one of my personal heroes, Paul Fry, was in a room just a few doors down. Thus, after loving Mother good-bye, I stopped in to visit with this extraordinary gentleman.

As I entered his door and prepared my greeting for him, all my thoughts were replaced immediately with humbling, total disbelief when my eyes caught a glimpse of him sitting upright in his bed.

What was shocking was the fact that my former choral director at both Albemarle High and First Presbyterian Church had no legs. Diabetes had caused him to lose both and with a huge spot on his arm that would not heal, the prospect of his losing an arm was very real. Despite his horrendous situation, Paul Fry was still upbeat and welcomed me with a warm, fatherly smile.

Sitting at his bedside was his beloved wife, Willie, the essence of a caregiver, who had been by his side for countless years through both the good and bad.

Although they never had children, the Frys shared their abundant love by impacting the lives of countless students who walked the halls of Albemarle High, respectively enhancing our innate love of music and language.

From that chance encounter at one of their lowest points, I shall never forget leaving his hospital room that day full of gratitude for both of them and their impact on my life.

That snapshot of life and the connection of music maker and caregiver inspired today’s tribute to Stanly County women that continue the legacy of caring as did the Frys.

On today’s front page, we feature music maker Marie Jones and caregiver Elaine Coats. Their connection with the Frys is undeniable, although Elaine Coats never knew either.

That’s not the case for Marie Jones, who was Paul Fry’s accompanist for the Albemarle High Chorus and Willie Fry’s English student back in the ‘40s.

While Coats never knew them personally, there is certainly a connection through the music at First Presbyterian Church that Paul Fry so richly influenced and the innate caring that Willie Fry exhibited in that hospital room decades ago and that Coats extends to her patients every day.

To the 13 we honor and the host of others who share their commitment, we say thank you for enhancing our lives. Truly, music makers and caregivers have much in common and make life fuller for each of us, regardless of our situation.



Jim Lisk is editor of The Stanly News & Press. Call him at (704) 982-2121 ext. 28 or e-mail snaponline28@yahoo.com.