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Claris has talent and a love for music

Claris lets her "fingers do the talking." In 1942 (as a sighted ten year old) she developed sight reading skills and a good ear for music. Sixty-two years later she still loves to play the piano.

By Claris’ early 30’s, her sight was gone, and her talented fingers were more important than ever. She taught herself Braille, which is no small feat! Braille became her second language and preferred medium for Bible study. Claris says she "sees with her hands" and hears with sharpened ears.

Claris is thankful for the memories of all she saw before losing her sight gradually to Retinitis Pigmentosis. She remembers colors… particularly the color of leaves; zoo animals… especially elephants and giraffes; the moon; snowflakes, and much, much more. Claris says "today is understood through memories from the past."

Claris became familiar with Tape Ministries through a 1989 Guidepost Article when the ministry was still known as "John Knox Taped Library." Soon books on tape joined her Braille Bible as the framework that supports this patron’s zest for life.

For the last 20 years, Claris has lived in a senior complex for the disabled. She maintains her independence thanks to her sharp memory and the help of a caregiver who spends 16 hours a week helping her with shopping, cooking and cleaning.

Church. Music. Prayer. Claris weaves all these together in her life. She enjoys good music at church and relies on prayer to guide her daily life. Her favorite pastime is playing the piano and she has recorded two tapes of her music.

When Claris’ discerning ear hears a melody, "God helps me with the chording," her fingers do the talking, and the keyboard sings!