Hurricane Harvey, which ravaged Houston and parts of Texas on August 27, left at least 38 dead and tens of thousands uprooted. As the devastation from the storm – the worst in 13 years – took its toll, one man sought solace in quietly playing the piano in his flooded home.
Aric Harding, a Houston pastor, had evacuated his home in Friendswood, Texas, after water from the hurricane started to flood his home and seep in through the floorboards. He later returned to pick up some supplies for his seven children, including stuffed animals and games to keep them occupied. His 13-year-old son, an avid piano player, had asked him to check on the family piano, to ensure it wasn’t destroyed.
On finding the piano intact, he decided to take a moment to play it. His friend recorded a video as he sat down and played the hauntingly beautiful tune, with water up to his knees.
Grammy-nominated singer Vanessa Carlton saw the video, and tweeted (below) offering her help. Ultimately, a few days later musical instrument company Yamaha, who also sponsors Carlton, agreed to replace the piano, while people from Harding’s church and his neighbourhood helped him clean up his home.
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