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Grandma
Harriette: The Inspiration for Our
Song
Harriette Neilson was born in
1919, one of thirteen children in a very poor family who used
lard instead of butter to save money. As a teenager, Harriette taught
herself to play four instruments, including guitar. She excelled in
music, becoming first chair French horn in her high school band.
Harriette soon realized that God had given her a great
gift.
As a teenager, Harriette developed the passion
to deliver a special message. Through song, she sought to bring hope to
children, especially children in need. In 1950, she was given a Gibson
guitar by a music store owner who was moved by her devotion to serving
others. Over the next 50 years, Harriette used that guitar to
bring hope, joy and encouragement to countless children.
In her early 80’s, Harriette retired the
guitar, passing it on to her grandson. It had become the
symbol of her selfless commitment to serving children and a
gift that I will always cherish. Over those 50 years, Harriette brought
hope to countless children and inspired many more people to reach out
to children. I am one of those she
inspired.
Grandma Harriette with her guitar
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