Unit 1 Beautiful Music for Mother
Unit 2 The Forces of Nature
Unit 3 Doing It for Dad
Unit 4 Dare to Imagine
Unit 5 Why Open Source?
Unit 6 Childhood Depression
Unit 7 University: Theory or Practice?
Unit 8 Civil War Stories Your Teacher Never Told You
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Text A
Beautiful Music for Mother
When William, a 10-year-old boy who was somewhat scruffy looking,
enrolled himself to learn the piano, the music teacher was
reluctant to accept him. She preferred her students to start their
music lessons at a younger age when their fingers are nimble.
“William, why do you want to learn the piano?” the teacher asked.
“I want to play for my mother.” She noticed the tears in his eyes
as he answered her. She had no heart to turn him down and accepted
him as her student. But at each music lesson, William appeared to
be in a hurry and play badly. “My mother is waiting outside for
me.” He would tell the teacher. She was tempted to advise William
not to waste his time as he never hit the right tone. But there was
something about William, which she was fascinated with—the tender
look in his eyes each time he mentioned “mother”.
Suddenly, William stopped coming for his lessons. At the end of
the semester, the music teacher decided to organize a piano recital
for her students and she sent flyers to them to participate. She
was surprised to find William’s application that he would like to
contribute a musical piece. She again had no heart to turn him
down. She would put him as the last player in case he stumbled with
his notes, she would come forward to remedy the situation.
The day came and William appeared with his hair uncombed and his
shirt creased. He sat quietly with his eyes closed. When it was his
turn to play, William bowed before the audience and said he was
thankful for the music teacher’s patience with him as he might not
have been the best of her pupils.
“Tonight I am dedicating my music to my mother,” he said. As he
sat down and put his fingers on
the keyboard, the most beautiful sound of music was heard.
Everyone later asked why he didn’t bring his mother as she would
surely be proud to hear him play. William replied, “My mother was
stone deaf and she could never hear me play during her lifetime.
Yet she sacrificed her time and money to let me learn the piano.
This morning my mother passed away. I am sure she is now happy as
she can hear my piano recital. I choose a piece from Beethoven’s
concerto. As you all know, Beethoven was submerged with deafness at
the triumph of his career. The piece released him from darkness and
so was my mother.” Everyone was electrified to hear what William
said and tears welled over their eyes.
The music teacher proudly exclaimed, “William, not only your
mother but we all are proud of you. We are deeply touched by your
devotion and your love for your mother,” as she embraced him.