Thursday morning, February 13, 2014...huge snow storm overnight and now followed up with major icing....Mother Nature is awesome!
Last week I visited a Facility that I still do Volunteer Work at and the Director is so sweet, she emailed me and gave me the names of the 3 Patient's that had passed away in the last 2 weeks that I normally see. After news like that, I always go in with a heavy heart, almost dreading going into their rooms to still play for their roommates, but after the first smile from a Patient, my heart is lifted and I am so glad to be there.
Ms Dorothy is a handful! I found her out of her room bugging the heck out of a Nurse at the Unit Desk. I get so tickled with her, she always says NO to Therapeutic Music so I play outside her room in the hallway and when I am done she says over and over, "that was just so beautiful, just so pretty, when are you coming back?" I set up next to her door and after 5 minutes she was sitting quietly in the hallway. Every now and again she would demand something from a passing nurse but all in all she was peaceful. When I played "Moon River" she looked at me and said, "I danced". Those are the moments just reach your Soul.
The Staff is always so grateful to have music on the Units and they are awesome about letting me know who is depressed or not feeling well that day, so off I went to a new Patient's room who is ill. She let me turn down her TV (usually they won't!!!!!) I didn't want to chat with her, she looked too weak and sick, so I started off with Arpeggios in a Minor Key and eventually found my way back to Major and played "You are my Sunshine"....she opened her eyes and smiled. One of the Therapist walked past the room and said, "today is her Birthday!" Another big smile! I played and sang Happy Birthday to her and it just made her day.
I have been singing more and more while I play. Not all songs, and not for all patients, but every now and then there is a need for the words and I am learning to let go of my inhibitions and just letting it happen. I have always loved to sing, but not in front of people so this is just slowly evolving.
I eventually made my way to the room I was dreading....my wonderful Mr. Neil who sat up and ate his lunch when I played for him, passed away but his roommate Mr. Al was in his room and he too is failing fast. He was happy to see me and thrilled to have music and this is a man I sang for. He always tells me he fought in the war for my freedom so the first song is always "America" followed by the Hymns he loves. He slowly sat up and listened to the music and sang some of the Hymns with me. Perhaps I am just a dreamer, but he seemed more alive, happier and even told me he was hungry for lunch! As always, I leave knowing it might be the last time we have together and he always tells me he loves me, and I in turn, tell him I love him too.
Along with the sad news that my Banjo Patient passed away yesterday at another Facility, it is always followed with uplifting news and experiences....the 90yr old Pianist is going home today!!! (well, she might be snowed in for another day) but I was so thrilled for her and she said, "yes, I find this place depressing" I could barely hold the laughter in! So after I burn a Candle in remembrance of one who has passed, I have these glorious experiences that follow, day after day, that keep me motivated. I know Mr. R will be playing his Banjo, somewhere, somehow!
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