Take a sad song and make it better

 

Hello everyone! March was a big month for me because I have been allowed back playing at a nursing home in person for the first time in 2 years. These are residents I play one on one for. These are people who have no family or friends in the area and I may be their only visitor. Singing with them means the world to me and them too.  

Over this month, I have met new people there as well.  In one room I was playing for a resident there and I got to know her roommate. We have sung together now a few times and each time I visit I learn more about her.  I also have been able to play for Mr. Miller (not his real name) who loves jazz and blues. My favorite thing to do with him is to improvise. I just sit down and play my guitar and let it take me where it wants to go. Mr. Miller lies in his bed listening deeply. Sometimes he appears to be sleeping but after I finish playing, he sits up and says, "Wow! Moods!" 

I also have had some really good sessions at the hospital. The other day, I was sent to a room of a young  man (20s-30s?) who seemed very bored and he was a bit disruptive to the staff. When he saw my guitar, he got very excited. He asked if he could play it, which I politely declined. Unfortunately, I get asked this from time to time by patients and it is simply not possible to allow this due to infectious control. Anyway, I started to play, "Hey Jude, " for him and his nurse was in the room with him and started to sing along. I have always loved that song ! Do you remember when that song first came into your life? It was released as a 45 single in 1968 and I was 10 years old at the time. My parents just divorced and so the song had a special impact on me.  

"Hey Jude, don't make it bad, take a sad song and make it better... " How those words helped soothe me in that time of uncertainly and confusion. 

I also did some art this month, as you can see from the picture above. The situation in Ukraine has weighed heavily in my heart.  and though the situation there seems very grim, I do see some positive things coming out of it.  A friend of mine has founded "Knitters Unite: Hats for Ukraine" where a local group and those around the state of Virginia are making blue and yellow hats (colors of the Ukraine flag) to sell for a donation to benefit Ukraine emergency fund.  Let's hope and pray for peace! 

Spring seems to be slowly emerging with flowers and trees blooming although with colder temps. I hope you are enjoying signs of spring wherever you are!