Woman defies expectations and brings joy through music
Hope Abel performs more than 200 times a year at nursing homes after discovering piano talent at church
NORTH MONROE, La. (Aging Untold) — A 26-year-old woman who was expected to be institutionalized by age 12 revealed a hidden musical gift and now performs at area nursing homes hundreds of times a year.
Hope Abel’s grandmother said a professional told her when Hope was 6 to prepare to institutionalize her by age 12.
Nearly a decade ago, Abel revealed her musical gift during an open mic night at church when she ran to the stage before her grandmother could stop her.
“Open mic night. If you have a gift, come on up, share it with us,” Melanie Dozier, Abel’s grandmother, said.
“So, I’m sitting there, I’m praying, ‘Oh Lord, don’t let my baby be embarrassed,’” Dozier said.
Abel then played the full score of “The Sound of Music” by ear, leaving the audience speechless.
“Musicians and ministers surround me. ‘Why didn’t you tell us?’ Well, I had no clue,” Dozier said. “I walk into church with my sweetheart and I walk out a church with a musician.”
Sharing her gift
After discovering her talent, Abel and her grandmother began visiting nursing homes and they welcomed her performances.
Abel now makes six to seven appearances a week, more than 200 for the year.
Abel does not read music. She plays entirely by ear.
“She brings sunshine to us,” one nursing home resident said.
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