Annette Walden - A person of Impact

Most individuals set out to make a difference with their lives by impacting others. The task of making a difference is not really a big plan as you begin your life’s journey. Rather, I believe many do not even think of making a splash much less sitting down and pulling together a list of do’s that need to be accomplished to place your life in the center hub of making a difference for others. If I could call my life a research project I can say that the best way to make a difference is to simply live your life treating others as you wish to be treated. If you add respect for others and differing opinions, coupled with a desire to be friendly and be a part of things as you can then you are well on your way to looking back over life and being able to see an impact.
I first met Annette Walden when she was the organist for the Order of Easter Star Chapter #89 in Pineville, Ky. I was just a little boy who sang soprano and falsetto at the time and together we formed a team for special events and programs. She was a member of the First Baptist Church Pineville and when I became a church member there we continued our practice of her playing, and me singing throughout my days of children’s choir, the adult worship choir and so many solo’s I have lost count. We were never called a musical duet, but there is no doubt about this fact. Annette could and still can make a piano talk as the keys strike the strings speaking in her own language called music. For the record, I simply accompanied her with my voice. There is something about making music that is freeing to the inner spirit. There is something about music that causes you to be able to change location as you listen and participate. Annette and I have enjoyed over the years many special moments that took us both to another place because we each shared our talents with the other. The last public performance we shared was the Presbyterian Church in Pineville. Irene Adams, who created the “Lighting of the Star” program for Pineville/Bell County asked if I would come and provide special music. With that invitation there was no question who should be the musician at the piano. It was Annette Walden. We discussed the program and thought about the music that would be appropriate and we both agreed without any debate on Let there be Peace on earth, Amazing Grace in a special melody arrangement and Annette’s favorite, Sweet Little Jesus Boy.
In February of this year Annette and I held a concert that you unfortunately missed. I know you missed it because the venue was at her home and it was just she and I. Stopping in to say hello it was without any planning, but knowing full well there would be music in the living room as of this visit. Her husband “Bob” had purchased her a surprise gift of her very own grand piano back in 1964. She had an upright piano that she loved and enjoyed playing so much, but that was all about to change with the arrival of her new gift that would bring decades of fun and pleasure. Yes, Annette filled her home on that February day with the rich sound of a grand piano and her feel for the music added the emotions that move me to a new experience because I could clearly hear her heart and soul as she played. We sang from the hymnal, the old ones and the new one and we ended our concert of two with the singing of Sweet Little Jesus Boy.
Annette Walden made a difference in my life as a little boy who never realized that she was investing herself in me. Today, as an adult, I can tell you that she has been investing in me year after year and she may be as unaware of her impact on my life today, as I was of her back in that day. Annette Walden, a person of impact and I am one life that is changed because she did her part of living strong, with character and integrity and most especially love.

Until then