DAPHNE, Ala.—Residents at Catherine Place—an assisted-living facility in the Mercy Medical network—for years had enjoyed the sounds of a grand piano in the center’s living room. The instrument was a centerpiece, a conversation starter and a tool for musical therapy.

But in January, the piano’s owner—a resident at the facility—passed away and family packed her belongings, including the piano. Silence consumed the center’s halls as Catherine staffers considered many options for a new piano.

“We talked to Mercy Medical’s development department because we love music here,” administrator Sally Conlee said.

Mercy couldn’t muster funds for a new piano so staffers had only one other option: pray.

It would seem that Plan B worked.

“God answered our prayers on a Wednesday night,” Conlee said, referring to a phone call from Howard Bonds, the husband of Betty Bonds and son-in-law of Olive Clark, both former Catherine residents.

Bonds said he found a baby grand piano, according to Conlee, recalling how grateful she was for his efforts; still, she initially rejected his offer, knowing the center couldn’t afford a new piano.

“No, you don’t understand. I’ve found you a piano. When would you like it delivered?” she said, recalling Bonds’ end of the conversation—and the dead silence that ensued that day and tears that streamed down her face.

The Rev. Maurice Shields of Mercy Medical blessed the piano in a Wednesday dedication ceremony where residents gathered to hear “The Tennessee Waltz.” It was a throwback to the center’s Friday programming, which included Catherine Place Society meetings, when residents and their family members would gather for drinks, music and dancing—a part of which was missing with the old piano’s removal.

Olive Clark—prior to her death several months ago—each Friday had sat with the Catherine society, swaying to “Waltz,” the song of a woman whose lover leaves her for her friend, and a 1950 No. 1 hit for Patti Page.

“The ‘Tennessee Waltz’ belonged to Olive,” Conlee said.

Volunteer Ted Donley—who then usually played piano Friday afternoons—Wednesday tickled the new piano’s ivories—very much rekindling celebrations past.

“They’d be tapping their toes and getting up to dance,” Conlee said of the gatherings, adding that “The Tennessee Waltz” was each week’s closing song. “That was the cue for the residents and families that it was time for dinner,” she said.

But the piano serves as more than a social function; actually,  Catherine staffers said, it is a fundamental tool in the center’s music therapy program.

“They’ll close their eyes,” activity program director Mendi Niblett said, referring to how hearing certain songs might remind patients of their youth. “It takes them back.”

Niblett develops musical events at the center and coordinates guest teachers to come and play for the residents.

“They all have at least one thing in common: music,” she said.

And they can once again appreciate this pastime thanks to Bonds, who gave gratitude to Catherine’s care of his loved ones.

“It’s just a great opportunity to do something for all of you sweet folks,” he said.