Still cradling

When I returned to Len's room he was still cradling that guitar, lost in his new possession, smiling easily.

"Clip the nails on your left hand for next week's lesson," I said gently. "Maybe a nurse can help you. Then try to press on the strings with those fingertips once in a while. You can start building up calluses that way."

I showed him how to hold the pick and strum lightly. He was in heaven.

"See you in a week," I said.

Have you ever experienced the pain of tender fingertips when you began to play the guitar (or other stringed instrument?). Did you persevere? Will Len?