10/27/09 - Madison County

Senior Citizen Sees Dream Come True
By: Jonquil Newland
6:40 p.m.
 
At age 96, Amy Maddox is one of the oldest residents at Morningside Assisted Living in east Jackson. Those who work with her believe she is still sharp as a tack, but recently, has wished she could play the piano again. "I loved to play church music," said Maddox.
 
A small town native, Maddox began taking piano lessons in middle school. "It was real special to have a musician in the town," said Maddox. However, she did not stick with it. Now, more than 70 years after she initially began, Maddox can play the piano again.
 
"I was completely astounded. I was speechless, I still am I think," said Maddox. Second Wind Dreams is a non-profit organization that dedicates themselves to making dreams come true for senior citizens. "I have joy in my spirit to be able to do this for our elderly," said Program Director Tiphannie Montgomery. 
 
On Tuesday, Maddox was presented with a new keyboard and a private instructor from the Yeshua School of Music. "Music is, as I always say, is the one thing that nobody hates," said piano instructor, John Williams.
 
Williams will give Maddox piano lessons once a week, but Maddox believes it is times like these she will always remember. "The memories, I may not have much time left, but I will have them the rest of my life," Maddox said.