“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” ― Plato

Bill Parenteau was an amazing musician.  He could play several instruments, but he is best known for the music he played on the piano.  I describe him as an amazing pianist because he received no formal training; he could play by ear.  My mother is a piano teacher.  She taught me to read music.  When I attempt to play the piano, I look at a sheet of music and try to get my fingers to play the notes that are on the page.  For someone like Mr. Bill who didn’t have to look at the notes on a page but could play beautiful music by ear, that is truly amazing to me.

He blessed many with the music from a piano.  He would occasionally play the piano in a local hospital lobby.  People would stop and listen.  Through his music, he likely calmed and warmed some troubled hearts that were at the hospital visiting sick relatives and friends.

He would often play his piano for guests in his home.  Nelly Eddlemon wrote about a visit with Bill and his loving wife, Pat: “The last time I got to see him, I asked this talented man if he could play a song on the piano for my mom and me.  Despite his illness, he did.  He played 3!  I told him how much that meant to me, how much I love them both and that I will always, always treasure what he did that day.  That memory will forever live in my heart.”

As long as he was able, Bill would play his piano every night for his loving wife of over 60 years.  “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “Danny Boy” were two of his regular selections.

He was a wonderful musician and he blessed many lives with his music.  But his music was more than what came from the piano; it was his life.  He played beautifully the music of family, of friendship, of faith and faithfulness.  He adored his family and was adored by them in return.  He was a friend indeed.  He was a faithful servant of God and the church.  He was a Christian.

I believe the ability that Bill Parenteau had to bring music into our lives was a blessing from God.  Whether it was the sounds that he produced from the piano or the music from his life, he was a blessing indeed.

What made the music of Bill Parenteau’s life so rich, so fun, and so heartwarming?  I suggest it was because of qualities like faith, hope and love.  Faith: confidence in a God who keeps His promises.  Hope: expectation of greater things to come because Jesus lives.  Love: the bond of perfection (Colossians 3:14) that originates from God who loved us enough to give the very Best He had to offer.

God loves you, me, and Bill so much that He gave His one and only Son to die on the cross for our sins (John 3:16).  “We have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7) and “eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

God will save and give eternal life to those who place their faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).  He will continue to cleanse from sin those who continue to walk in the light of His Word (1 John 1:7-9).

Jesus brings some “sweet music” into your life.  No, you may not be able to play the piano as beautifully as Bill Parenteau, but you will find great comfort and joy in the “music” of peace, joy, and eternal life.  Bill did.  You can, too; if only you’ll submit your life to Jesus.

Let the music play on.

-- David A. Sargent

P.S.  In loving memory of William L. “Bill” Parenteau, October 15, 1935 – March 29, 2019.  May his music bless our lives for an eternity.

David A. Sargent, Minister

Church of Christ at Creekwood 
1901 Schillinger Rd. S.
Mobile, Alabama  36695

Archived issues of Living Water can be viewed and accessed from our website at: www.creekwoodcc.org