In the space of a week, I have a diverse range of experiences bringing music to hospital patients and people with disabilities. There was the day at the hospital I was playing on an ICU unit and was asked to play outside of a room full of people. A big family surrounded this patient and I could see that something big happened. People were crying and embracing and huddled together. After awhile, a woman came out and said, "Hi, I know you from my school." I nodded hello and smiled to acknowledge her as I continued to play soft instrumental guitar music. Then she said, "My father passed away today! " and she pointed to his room and began to sob. I said, "I'm so sorry" and looked away to give her space and I kept playing quietly. It can be hard to see people in these kinds of moments but it is also an honor. I am often placed into people's lives at a crossroad or a major rite of passage.
The next day found me in totally different circumstances where I played for a group of young adults with developmental disabilities. I could see they were in the mood to be silly, so I got out some Madlibs I made up to create our own funny songs. Here's the one everyone liked the best:
"My spaghetti skied over the mountain
my spaghetti skied over the pool
my spaghetti skied over the mountain
now bring my spaghetti to me..."
(To the tune of "My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean")
I even ended up telling some Christmas jokes. (That's because those are the only jokes I know)
Q: Why is Santa good at Karate
A: Because he has a black belt
You see? There is grief one day and laughter the next. Music has a place in our hearts for every kind of situation.
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