Mixed bag

 

July was a mixed bag. I loved being back to work at the hospital and having a sense of normalcy return.  This is my 17th year working as Musician-in-Residence at the hospital and by far the most meaningful work I have done in my life.  In my first days back to work, it was a mixture of feeling like I was starting over and at the same time, like I had never been gone. I'm sure you all have feel this way before. 

Another big change in my life is that my beloved cat, Jasper died on July 12th. He had been ill for many years but with medication, his symptoms were under control. Since January this year, I thought I would lose him but he bounced back every time. Except for the last time. I took a risk and agreed for him to undergo emergency surgery. They found a tumor which meant he likely had cancer. He stayed in emergency vet for 3 days before it became evident he could not overcome this last health crises. So, with great sadness, I let him go. He was in my life 15 years and lived with me in 3 different places. He was born in my loft apartment in rural Virginia on a farm.  I think his happiest times may have been my newest home where he spent many hours on his perch in the window. Life is quiet without him but change is the only thing we can count on. 

So that's what I meant by the title of this post, mixed bag.  It seems life moves in a series of dualities. On the one hand, happy to be back to work on my favorite job. On the other hand, sad to have lost a dear fury friend and family member. 

I wonder how things have been for all of you? Feel free to comment below. Are things steady or rocky or how are they for you? However it is, I do hope you are all happy and staying healthy. 

Thanks for stopping by. 

The artwork pictured above is a collage I started before I knew Jasper was leaving me. I finished it on the day Jasper died. The vets game me a clay imprint of his paws and you can see the blue pencil rubbings of them in the upper right corner under the rainbow bridge. I put a bird by his paws too. He so much loved watching them, now he is flying with them. Fly on, dear Jasper. 

Back to work!

 

Hello everyone! Happy Summer to all of you. I am happy that we here in the U.S. are able to have a sense of normalcy returning after our year of Covid isolation. I was thrilled that yesterday I was able to return to my job as Musician-in-Residence at U.VA hospital yesterday for the first time in 15 months! It was just wonderful to be back! 

Playing therapeutic music has been the most fulfilling work I've ever done. Yesterday, I loved walking those halls and riding the elevators and visiting the ICU units, playing for patients. 

I was not sure what to expect since I know Covid was especially difficult on staff at the hospital. I was not sure if some of the same staff would still be there and how I would be received after an absence of nearly 1.5 years. 

To me surprise and happiness, I saw many of the same faces and they greeted me as if I had never been gone!  I was filled with admiration for the staff who braved such frightening times and were all still there. 

Playing for patients is always very meaningful for me. Especially more so since I know I can never take this work for granted again! 

Some things have changed. We have to wear surgical masks and goggles. We have a new locker. Otherwise... life goes on! 

I hope you are all doing well and getting your vaccinations to ensure we can all continue to move forward from this trying time of Covid. 

Happy 4th of July to all my American friends!