Sometimes in my work I see a lot of suffering. Today there was death in ICU at the hospital and grieving families to tend to. I try to imagine the music I bring as being like a peaceful, beautiful meadow; a place where they can go within to gain strength and hope.
Then at a nursing home tonight there was more suffering. A woman was yelling in her room (confused and not knowing what she was doing) while I tried to comfort a new resident who said she felt stuck there and hated being there. I've seen this a lot with people newly admitted into a nursing home and I can't blame them. She paced the halls with her walker and each time she passed, I stopped her to talk. I usually try to point out the good things about the nursing home but tonight there wasn't much I could say given the screaming woman in the background and .the tired, disgruntled staff standing nearby.
Finally, I said, "I just want you to know that I am on your side and I hope we can be friends." She thanked me and said she appreciated that.
It wasn't all a day of grief though. There were still the smiles from others, the compliments from Ms. Catherine, the laughter from Ms. Brenda when I sang her favorite patriotic songs to her (she used to be in the navy).
Even so, I don't mind seeing the ups and downs as it is part of life. It always makes me more grateful for the life I do have. I try to be a kind presence and hope it helps to leave a little light behind.
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