This holiday season was one that brought challenge as well as joy. Something I have learned about the darkening days surrounding the Winter solstice is that all religions talk about finding the light in the darkest days. That means that this time of year is about struggle as well as joy.
In my work I saw once again how the power of music can reach a soul and uplift one's heart in ways that no other thing can do.
On Christmas Eve, I played for some ICU patients at the hospital. One woman in particular stands out to me. I saw that she had no cards in her room nor any evidence of having had any visitors. She appeared to be in a lot of physical pain. I went to her and asked if she'd like for me to play her some Christmas music and she nodded yes. As I played through my favorites, "The First Noel," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,""Silent Night," tears streamed down the woman's face. Then she said at one point, "You are such a gift! Thank you so much for coming to play for me." Her face brightened as we talked a bit and she was smiling when I left her. Though I walked in her room a stranger, with music we connected.
While playing on the ICU floor, I kept getting more requests to go and play for more families and patients. At one point, even the housekeeper stopped working and came to sing, "Joy to the World" with me.
As I had been having some challenges of my own (a recent knee injury had me a bit down), these moments really uplifted me too. It was wonderful to see the staff in holiday spirits and spirits of the patients lifted up.
Now as I prepare for the New Year ahead, I'd like to thank everyone who reads my blog and who supports my work and me in many ways.
Happy New Year to you! I wish you all the best life has to offer in the coming year and evermore!
The picture above is on the doorway of an assisted living center where I played. I love this message!
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