Charles Woodcheke, 52, Calverton
Originally I was a tradesman — carpentry and cabinetry — but several years ago I became ill with a rheumatic disease called sarcoidosis. I was down for quite some time and still suffer from it. I could no longer work in my field.
I worked various other jobs in different lines of work but needed to fall back on something I knew best — music. I have been a drummer nearly all my life; I was always active with it, playing in bands.
So after my illness I decided I needed to find a way to make music my regular form of income. I put together a duo, April Rain, and I not only play the drums but I sing the lead vocals, too. I also began giving private drum lessons several years ago. With April Rain I work at the wineries and restaurants, mostly on the North Fork.
Through illness and age — I am now over 50 — I have definitely reinvented myself. But the best part of this change is the fact that not only has it improved the quality of my life, I also get to improve the quality of other lives as well. There is nothing more healing than to play music for people and to look out to a room and see people singing the songs along with me.
Follow April Rain on Facebook at facebook.com/aprilrainliband.
This essay was originally published in the 2015 edition of northforker 50 Plus.
