***

Whenever I am envious of  the talent and skill of a great performing artist, I like to remember the following story, which the famous one-armed Spanish magician, Rene Levand, told in his book about his magic and life, Mysteries of My Life:

A man sees the great virtuoso cello player Pablo Casals crossing the street. The man, so thrilled to get a glimpse of his artistic idol, dashes across the street and manages to catch up with Casals.

“Maestro,” the man says, almost out of breath, “I just wanted you to know that I’d give my life to be you!”

Casals pauses and then replies drily, “I already did.”