Friday, May 30, 2014….I think Winter is trying to make a come-back? Rainy and very Cool….I refuse to complain!
Yesterday I got an email from my Supervisor of the Facility, telling me one of my Hospice Patients, a young man, loves Led Zeppelin and any other Classic Rock Band…I quickly downloaded "Stairway to Heaven" and then gave my choice some thought….should I play it because the title is suggestive, especially in his position? So I decided to play a few Beatles, Dylan and so on and he loved it….I told him I only had one Zeppelin song, gave him the title and he looked at me (he is unable to speak) and shook his head yes with a big tear down his cheek. I can tell you, I almost could not play and as I write this to you I feel that emotion coming to the surface again.
I pretty much botched up the tune because I hadn't practiced it, but it was simple enough to play the theme and get through it. I finished his Session with "I will Always Love You" Dolly Parton/Whitney Houston, which I always play for him before I leave and pointed to my heart and he just looked at me and shook his head again. Wow, what an afternoon.
Yesterday was one of those days when I needed to take extra care of my Spirit. When I got home I used my Singing Bowl and did a long Meditation. It makes such a difference when I stop and restore myself…if not my Intention during a Session is weak and purposeless.
Friday, May 30, 2014
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Alive Inside
Wednesday morning…May 28, 2014……cloudy, humid and showers on the way….a perfect summer morning :)
I received an email yesterday morning from the Daughter of my Companion, telling me her Mom had been pretty un-responsive for days. I had not seen her for a week, due to the Holiday Weekend. When I arrived she was very unresponsive and I was determined to "wake up her brain" as well as her Spirit. After 40 minutes of Harp Music…..I finally got a response and after a walk outside, I took her to the Dining Room and played piano for her. As I am playing I hear her stomping her foot on the wheelchair. she is trying to get my attention. I look over and she is Conducting my Music!!! the physical movement of her raising her arm and moving it is something no one has seen her do in months. So here I am taking a video with one hand and trying to play piano with my left….I was able to share the video with her family. I think the other amazing thing is she responded to my instructions. When I stopped playing to dig out my phone to record, she lowered her arm, but as I played again I told her to Conduct my Music….and she did!!!!! She is "Alive Inside"
I received an email yesterday morning from the Daughter of my Companion, telling me her Mom had been pretty un-responsive for days. I had not seen her for a week, due to the Holiday Weekend. When I arrived she was very unresponsive and I was determined to "wake up her brain" as well as her Spirit. After 40 minutes of Harp Music…..I finally got a response and after a walk outside, I took her to the Dining Room and played piano for her. As I am playing I hear her stomping her foot on the wheelchair. she is trying to get my attention. I look over and she is Conducting my Music!!! the physical movement of her raising her arm and moving it is something no one has seen her do in months. So here I am taking a video with one hand and trying to play piano with my left….I was able to share the video with her family. I think the other amazing thing is she responded to my instructions. When I stopped playing to dig out my phone to record, she lowered her arm, but as I played again I told her to Conduct my Music….and she did!!!!! She is "Alive Inside"
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Wednesday :)
Wednesday, May 21st….yep, warm, cloudy and maybe a storm!
Today I played at a Facility that I am so compassionate about. I love all the Staff and I am thrilled they understand the profound benefits that their Patients receive through Therapeutic Music. Also, I feel their Patients are more in need of the Service. Most are wards of the State and few have family or friends visiting. They are long-term nursing patients, palliative care and hospice.
Today I experienced a chance meeting with a Music Therapist while I was playing for "his" patient. He works for Hospice and comes to see this Patient as a MT, which is a Bachelor's Degree and very "hands-on" Therapy. Mine is not a Degree, but a Certification and we do not physically interact with a Patient, we are Therapeutic Musicians or Clinical Musicians and we are non-obtrusive in the sense that we let the Music and our "intention" have the impact on the Patient. Although very different, we are very much the same. Our goals are to be part of a tool-box of healing modes. Therapeutic Music is not a cure, it is part of the mind-body-spirit healing that can take place. I was so thrilled to have the time to chat with the MT, he could not have been nicer and more professional. He was so happy to know that "his" patient received services when he could not be with her.
He noticed she was very engaged with the music and commented on how "familiar" music seemed to catch her right away. He does a lot of improv on the guitar, but suggested he may start his sessions with more familiar music and then transition to improv.
I went to see Mr. A next and one of the Office Staff caught up with me and wanted to see the response….she got a real treat! Mr. A was in the fetal position at the foot of his bed, unresponsive. I played a couple tunes and nothing…..then I moved over to hymns, ones I know he loves. He laid there singing with his eyes closed. I wanted to cry…..another "hazard" in my job. I told him he could sing better if he sat up, so slowly he managed to get into a sitting position on the side of the bed. Did I mention this man can sing? He has the most beautiful voice. The Staff member sang several tunes with him….both of us very emotional. THIS is why I love this facility…..the staff are the soul of the place, not the brick and mortar.
Mr. A's roommate was in a wheelchair, unresponsive…..until I played "Over the Rainbow"….he opens his eyes and watches me play…..again, very emotional.
From there I moved to the Day Room where there were 8 Patients waiting for lunch. I love this group of Patients so much. One does not communicate, except when I am there. She sings "Amazing Grace" with the most beautiful voice….today one of the aides said, "what? I didn't know she could even talk!" Yep, Amazing Grace! There is another patient that loves Elvis so when I play "Love Me Tender" she is just in tears and then smiles. There is a young girl that emotionally grabs me every time. She used to be very shy around me but now she just lights up when she sees the Harp. She spends 10 minutes getting her wheelchair as close to me as possible. I don't think she would ever want to touch the Harp but she loves to watch me play. She always has a beautiful smile on her face when I ask her to sing along. She rarely speaks, but sometimes she will act shyly and say "no" to singing…LOL
I would love nothing more than to stay all day and make music for them and the Staff, but my fingers give out and usually my stomach is screaming for food!!!
Tomorrow (Thursday) I am at another Facility and I know joy awaits me. My life is so full and rich and I am so grateful for each day I can give this Service. I think the only thing missing is food….I think they should provide Lunch!!!
Today I played at a Facility that I am so compassionate about. I love all the Staff and I am thrilled they understand the profound benefits that their Patients receive through Therapeutic Music. Also, I feel their Patients are more in need of the Service. Most are wards of the State and few have family or friends visiting. They are long-term nursing patients, palliative care and hospice.
Today I experienced a chance meeting with a Music Therapist while I was playing for "his" patient. He works for Hospice and comes to see this Patient as a MT, which is a Bachelor's Degree and very "hands-on" Therapy. Mine is not a Degree, but a Certification and we do not physically interact with a Patient, we are Therapeutic Musicians or Clinical Musicians and we are non-obtrusive in the sense that we let the Music and our "intention" have the impact on the Patient. Although very different, we are very much the same. Our goals are to be part of a tool-box of healing modes. Therapeutic Music is not a cure, it is part of the mind-body-spirit healing that can take place. I was so thrilled to have the time to chat with the MT, he could not have been nicer and more professional. He was so happy to know that "his" patient received services when he could not be with her.
He noticed she was very engaged with the music and commented on how "familiar" music seemed to catch her right away. He does a lot of improv on the guitar, but suggested he may start his sessions with more familiar music and then transition to improv.
I went to see Mr. A next and one of the Office Staff caught up with me and wanted to see the response….she got a real treat! Mr. A was in the fetal position at the foot of his bed, unresponsive. I played a couple tunes and nothing…..then I moved over to hymns, ones I know he loves. He laid there singing with his eyes closed. I wanted to cry…..another "hazard" in my job. I told him he could sing better if he sat up, so slowly he managed to get into a sitting position on the side of the bed. Did I mention this man can sing? He has the most beautiful voice. The Staff member sang several tunes with him….both of us very emotional. THIS is why I love this facility…..the staff are the soul of the place, not the brick and mortar.
Mr. A's roommate was in a wheelchair, unresponsive…..until I played "Over the Rainbow"….he opens his eyes and watches me play…..again, very emotional.
From there I moved to the Day Room where there were 8 Patients waiting for lunch. I love this group of Patients so much. One does not communicate, except when I am there. She sings "Amazing Grace" with the most beautiful voice….today one of the aides said, "what? I didn't know she could even talk!" Yep, Amazing Grace! There is another patient that loves Elvis so when I play "Love Me Tender" she is just in tears and then smiles. There is a young girl that emotionally grabs me every time. She used to be very shy around me but now she just lights up when she sees the Harp. She spends 10 minutes getting her wheelchair as close to me as possible. I don't think she would ever want to touch the Harp but she loves to watch me play. She always has a beautiful smile on her face when I ask her to sing along. She rarely speaks, but sometimes she will act shyly and say "no" to singing…LOL
I would love nothing more than to stay all day and make music for them and the Staff, but my fingers give out and usually my stomach is screaming for food!!!
Tomorrow (Thursday) I am at another Facility and I know joy awaits me. My life is so full and rich and I am so grateful for each day I can give this Service. I think the only thing missing is food….I think they should provide Lunch!!!
Monday/Tuesday
Wednesday afternoon, May 21, 2014….warm, cloudy and maybe some storms :)
I'm sitting here this afternoon, reflecting on my last few Sessions with my Patients. They are always so thought-provoking and emotional as well.
When I arrived to be with my Companion this week, she was non-responsive. Very unlike her, especially when I play the Harp. It seemed nothing could reach her. I took her outside for a long walk, normally we talk about what the date is, what day of the week, the weather (she is blind and does not communicate )….but today…nothing. I took her back to her room and played more Harp and I was playing "You are My Sunshine" and I see her foot start to move. I look up and she is grinning like crazy. That was the ticket….who knew? the rest of the afternoon she was completely engaged with me and with music. Yesterday was even better. While I was chatting with her roommate, I noticed she was moving her leg and her arm like I have not seen in months. I was so surprised that I took a Video for her Daughters to see, they both agreed they had not seen that amount of movement in months. You never know what will reach a person's spirit and memories. I am constantly and pleasantly surprised.
On this same day, the Facility was in "lockdown" due to the Flu on another Unit. That means that all residents must stay in their Unit, all activities are canceled and meals are served in the rooms only. I consider this one of the "hazards" of working in facilities…..no matter how well you take care of yourself, you are exposed to so much. At the Nurse's Station I could hear one of the Residents yelling and cursing. I know this Resident pretty well and rarely see him agitated this way. I came out and told the Nurse I would get my harp in a bit and come play at the station….she laughed and said, "how about NOW?" So I did, brought my Companion with me and we sat at the Station and the VERY first tune…he closed his eyes and started waving his arms around like an Orchestra Conductor….and if anyone spoke he said, "shhhhhh, she is playing music". I stayed for about 30 minutes and he continued to be calm and restful. The Staff is so appreciative, it makes a huge difference in their attitude and approach to the Patients. Later in the afternoon I saw him again and I asked him if he enjoyed the Harp Music. He was just as calm and peaceful and said, "yes, very much" That was my Monday and Tuesday…..Wednesday (today) comes in another Blog!
I'm sitting here this afternoon, reflecting on my last few Sessions with my Patients. They are always so thought-provoking and emotional as well.
When I arrived to be with my Companion this week, she was non-responsive. Very unlike her, especially when I play the Harp. It seemed nothing could reach her. I took her outside for a long walk, normally we talk about what the date is, what day of the week, the weather (she is blind and does not communicate )….but today…nothing. I took her back to her room and played more Harp and I was playing "You are My Sunshine" and I see her foot start to move. I look up and she is grinning like crazy. That was the ticket….who knew? the rest of the afternoon she was completely engaged with me and with music. Yesterday was even better. While I was chatting with her roommate, I noticed she was moving her leg and her arm like I have not seen in months. I was so surprised that I took a Video for her Daughters to see, they both agreed they had not seen that amount of movement in months. You never know what will reach a person's spirit and memories. I am constantly and pleasantly surprised.
On this same day, the Facility was in "lockdown" due to the Flu on another Unit. That means that all residents must stay in their Unit, all activities are canceled and meals are served in the rooms only. I consider this one of the "hazards" of working in facilities…..no matter how well you take care of yourself, you are exposed to so much. At the Nurse's Station I could hear one of the Residents yelling and cursing. I know this Resident pretty well and rarely see him agitated this way. I came out and told the Nurse I would get my harp in a bit and come play at the station….she laughed and said, "how about NOW?" So I did, brought my Companion with me and we sat at the Station and the VERY first tune…he closed his eyes and started waving his arms around like an Orchestra Conductor….and if anyone spoke he said, "shhhhhh, she is playing music". I stayed for about 30 minutes and he continued to be calm and restful. The Staff is so appreciative, it makes a huge difference in their attitude and approach to the Patients. Later in the afternoon I saw him again and I asked him if he enjoyed the Harp Music. He was just as calm and peaceful and said, "yes, very much" That was my Monday and Tuesday…..Wednesday (today) comes in another Blog!
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Balance of Emotions
Thursday Evening, May 15, 2014….cloudy, windy and a storm's a coming!!!!
Today I had a beautiful experience with a Patient. It's a young man, in his 20s who was born with a terrible disability and can not communicate with words. He does, however let you know what he's interested in by facial expressions and hand gestures. He has recently been placed in Hospice Care.
The first time I played my harp for him about halfway through my playing he motioned for me to turn on his TV….he was done with me. The next time I just turned down the TV instead of turning it off and that seemed ok, but he kept turning his head away from me, clearly he did not like having me there.
Over these last several weeks, I have not approached him in his room. He is sometimes out at the Nurses Station and I will just stop and talk to him and make no mention of music or my harp. I have felt a sense of trust by doing this and today I entered his room and asked if he wanted me to play my Harp. He just stared at me, no expression. Then he slowly lifted his hand and made a motion to turn off the TV with his remote…..which I couldn't find anywhere. After asking the Nurse for help, he was given his remote and he turned off his TV.
I decided to tell him the names of the Tunes before I played them. I did a couple of things and then I asked if he liked Bob Dylan….he moved his eyes..that was a yes. I played Blowin in the Wind and sang the chorus while I played. I glanced at him and he had a tear on his cheek. Ok….I almost lost it at that moment. I did some Beatles, "In My Life" and I did "Sound of Silence". I finished up with "I will Always Love You" and when I was done I looked at him and told him the name of the song and that I would always love him, my friend. Another tear but this time I could not hold it back. I just let it happen and told him I would be back to play for him again soon.
This was incredibly sad today, but at the same time I feel I made a friend and he had loved having music today. So hard to balance my emotions.
Today I had a beautiful experience with a Patient. It's a young man, in his 20s who was born with a terrible disability and can not communicate with words. He does, however let you know what he's interested in by facial expressions and hand gestures. He has recently been placed in Hospice Care.
The first time I played my harp for him about halfway through my playing he motioned for me to turn on his TV….he was done with me. The next time I just turned down the TV instead of turning it off and that seemed ok, but he kept turning his head away from me, clearly he did not like having me there.
Over these last several weeks, I have not approached him in his room. He is sometimes out at the Nurses Station and I will just stop and talk to him and make no mention of music or my harp. I have felt a sense of trust by doing this and today I entered his room and asked if he wanted me to play my Harp. He just stared at me, no expression. Then he slowly lifted his hand and made a motion to turn off the TV with his remote…..which I couldn't find anywhere. After asking the Nurse for help, he was given his remote and he turned off his TV.
I decided to tell him the names of the Tunes before I played them. I did a couple of things and then I asked if he liked Bob Dylan….he moved his eyes..that was a yes. I played Blowin in the Wind and sang the chorus while I played. I glanced at him and he had a tear on his cheek. Ok….I almost lost it at that moment. I did some Beatles, "In My Life" and I did "Sound of Silence". I finished up with "I will Always Love You" and when I was done I looked at him and told him the name of the song and that I would always love him, my friend. Another tear but this time I could not hold it back. I just let it happen and told him I would be back to play for him again soon.
This was incredibly sad today, but at the same time I feel I made a friend and he had loved having music today. So hard to balance my emotions.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Now We are all Happier :)
Wednesday, May 7, 2014…..a Beautiful morning, a little chilly with some sun but I think rain is on its way….you know what they say, "April showers bring May flowers"….oh, it's not April you say? :)
It's been too long since I have written in my Blog. No good excuses besides being so busy and that is a good thing. There are changes coming my way and I am excited to have the opportunity to work at a new facility that is opening this month. I have been employed by them, but on a very limited budget. This new Facility allows a larger budget and that will directly effect me and gives me the opportunity to work an additional day each week….Yipeeeee
As far as making my Passion profitable (we gotta eat) it is slowing coming together. Between my Mentoring Job through my Course, employment from 3 Facilities and 2 Private Clients, my income trickles in, but I am thrilled with my progress. I will always look forward to the day I don't have to worry about an Income and can give of my time freely to reach as many patients as possible, but that day is not here yet.
Last week I saw Patients at a Facility that I had been away from for 3 weeks. That is a very long time not to see my Patients and I was so excited to arrive. I got an updated list and realized one of my Patients had passed away. At first it takes the wind from my sails but after being with the first Patient of the day, I am sailing along once again.
As I got on the floor, I immediately heard my dear "Ms D"…screaming for help. As I got closer to her room I passed the Nurse who said, "oh good, hope you can help"! I didn't even dare to knock on her door to ask if she wanted music, I knew it would be a loud NO. So I set up outside her room and started to play very softly. Just enough volume to be heard over her rants. The Staff is so respectful to her and they eventually went back into the room and told her to listen to the beautiful music that I was playing for her…..she screams, "tell her to shut up and stop playing, I need help here". There are a handful of Tunes that I know work well for her so I started through that set with "Believe me of all those Endearing Young Charms". I love this simple, sweet piece and as I played the screaming became less and less. 15 minutes later there were no sounds from her room. As the staff walks by they give me a "thumbs up" sign and smile…. later in the day I came back through her floor and she was sitting quietly in her room. I stuck my head in and asked if she enjoyed the Harp Music and she smiled and said, "yes, it was beautiful, when do you come back". Aww, to be trapped in that mind must be so terrifying, I am so grateful I was able to give her a little peace.
As the day went on, I realized I would have to try harder to get to these Patients more often. Each Patient I played for was so responsive to the music and relaxed and joyful in their own way. My sweet "Ms. E" clapped after each tune, just smiling away. Every now and then she would sing along, which is difficult when you are lying down! I left feedback saying that "Ms E" needed to be up and in a chair for Therapeutic Music, let's hope they follow through. It makes my job so much more effective and pleasant when the Staff value what I do and see my feedback as constructive and not combative. I am so grateful for the support I get.
I made my way to my favorite patient, "Mr. A"….he is Hospice Care and 3 weeks ago he was not doing well at all, so I tried to prepare myself for his further decline. Well, to my surprise, there he was sitting on the side of his bed and gave me a huge smile and said, "darling, I have missed you, where have you been?" Awwwww, the human body amazes me…..he had done a little rebound, awesome! His 2 Roommates, "Mr. L" and "Mr. J" were non responsive when I approached them. After I played a couple tunes I went to "Mr. J" and asked if he liked music…..this time he opened his eyes and said, "oh yes, it's very beautiful, thank you". The music had reached his soul and stirred his memories. An Aide came in to feed the 2 roommates and she was just so filled with joy to see "Mr J" awake and interested in eating. While "Mr. L" was waiting to be fed, he reached for his spoon and started to feed himself….the Aide said, "that's the first time I have seen him try to feed himself". These are small miracles that I am so grateful for and sustain me until the next visit. The nicest thing that happened at the end of that day was "Mr. A" said as I was leaving, "thank you darling and I love you". I told him I loved him too and I would see him soon.
Nothing could have prepared me for this journey I am on. I don't take a minute of good health for granted and have such admiration for families that are there with these patients, day in and day out. Such respect for the Staff. I was taking a 5 minute break for the fingers, sitting by a window. One of the Cleaning Staff stopped and said, "I am so glad you came today, "Ms D" stopped screaming and now we are all happier".
It's been too long since I have written in my Blog. No good excuses besides being so busy and that is a good thing. There are changes coming my way and I am excited to have the opportunity to work at a new facility that is opening this month. I have been employed by them, but on a very limited budget. This new Facility allows a larger budget and that will directly effect me and gives me the opportunity to work an additional day each week….Yipeeeee
As far as making my Passion profitable (we gotta eat) it is slowing coming together. Between my Mentoring Job through my Course, employment from 3 Facilities and 2 Private Clients, my income trickles in, but I am thrilled with my progress. I will always look forward to the day I don't have to worry about an Income and can give of my time freely to reach as many patients as possible, but that day is not here yet.
Last week I saw Patients at a Facility that I had been away from for 3 weeks. That is a very long time not to see my Patients and I was so excited to arrive. I got an updated list and realized one of my Patients had passed away. At first it takes the wind from my sails but after being with the first Patient of the day, I am sailing along once again.
As I got on the floor, I immediately heard my dear "Ms D"…screaming for help. As I got closer to her room I passed the Nurse who said, "oh good, hope you can help"! I didn't even dare to knock on her door to ask if she wanted music, I knew it would be a loud NO. So I set up outside her room and started to play very softly. Just enough volume to be heard over her rants. The Staff is so respectful to her and they eventually went back into the room and told her to listen to the beautiful music that I was playing for her…..she screams, "tell her to shut up and stop playing, I need help here". There are a handful of Tunes that I know work well for her so I started through that set with "Believe me of all those Endearing Young Charms". I love this simple, sweet piece and as I played the screaming became less and less. 15 minutes later there were no sounds from her room. As the staff walks by they give me a "thumbs up" sign and smile…. later in the day I came back through her floor and she was sitting quietly in her room. I stuck my head in and asked if she enjoyed the Harp Music and she smiled and said, "yes, it was beautiful, when do you come back". Aww, to be trapped in that mind must be so terrifying, I am so grateful I was able to give her a little peace.
As the day went on, I realized I would have to try harder to get to these Patients more often. Each Patient I played for was so responsive to the music and relaxed and joyful in their own way. My sweet "Ms. E" clapped after each tune, just smiling away. Every now and then she would sing along, which is difficult when you are lying down! I left feedback saying that "Ms E" needed to be up and in a chair for Therapeutic Music, let's hope they follow through. It makes my job so much more effective and pleasant when the Staff value what I do and see my feedback as constructive and not combative. I am so grateful for the support I get.
I made my way to my favorite patient, "Mr. A"….he is Hospice Care and 3 weeks ago he was not doing well at all, so I tried to prepare myself for his further decline. Well, to my surprise, there he was sitting on the side of his bed and gave me a huge smile and said, "darling, I have missed you, where have you been?" Awwwww, the human body amazes me…..he had done a little rebound, awesome! His 2 Roommates, "Mr. L" and "Mr. J" were non responsive when I approached them. After I played a couple tunes I went to "Mr. J" and asked if he liked music…..this time he opened his eyes and said, "oh yes, it's very beautiful, thank you". The music had reached his soul and stirred his memories. An Aide came in to feed the 2 roommates and she was just so filled with joy to see "Mr J" awake and interested in eating. While "Mr. L" was waiting to be fed, he reached for his spoon and started to feed himself….the Aide said, "that's the first time I have seen him try to feed himself". These are small miracles that I am so grateful for and sustain me until the next visit. The nicest thing that happened at the end of that day was "Mr. A" said as I was leaving, "thank you darling and I love you". I told him I loved him too and I would see him soon.
Nothing could have prepared me for this journey I am on. I don't take a minute of good health for granted and have such admiration for families that are there with these patients, day in and day out. Such respect for the Staff. I was taking a 5 minute break for the fingers, sitting by a window. One of the Cleaning Staff stopped and said, "I am so glad you came today, "Ms D" stopped screaming and now we are all happier".
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