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Magical Moment 509, "A Smile from Song"

One undeniable truth about music, is that the simplest melody or lyric has the power to conjure up a flood of memories and emotions. Nowhere is this more evident, than in an intimate hospital room, where the charity organization Sing for Hope reaches out to patients through music.

Five volunteer performers met in a NYC hospital for the first time last night, to visit patients, room to room, and provide a bedside song for them. This was my third time and I knew to expect many smiles, stories, and maybe even a few tears.

Some musicians are brave enough to perform a song acapella. I'm not one of them. Neither am I a great guitarist, but I bring it anyway. It's no piano, but at least it's something to hide behind. I have a few songs I do on guitar, and it seems to be enough of a selection to accommodate what the patient might want to hear.

We entered an older woman's room. She was lying in her bed with who appeared to be her daughter standing next to her. Both were in great spirits and very welcoming of the traveling troupe that had just invaded her tiny room. I don't know why, but I thought they might like to hear the song, "Edelweiss." When I asked them if that would be okay, both nodded an exuberant yes. 

The daughter squealed with delight. "I LOVE that song! My daughter's name is Liesel! My password to everything is Edelweiss!" 
I couldn't stop smiling as I played for the 2 grateful ladies, and my smile got even wider when they both joined in. I'm no Julie Andrews, but we were all beaming at the sound of music and the joy it brings.

~~~
Other hospital visits:
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Comments

TexWisGirl said…
oh that is kismet! you picked up on their spirit and gave them wings!
June 28, 2011 at 5:34 PM
Anonymous said…
I love Edelweiss. Great pick! I love that you are doing this. Where I worked for years, they decided to hire a harpist to play everyday while slowing strolling through the halls. It wasn't always received very well and alot of people kidded about patients hearing a harp but I think they were on the right idea.
June 28, 2011 at 8:43 PM
Unknown said…
That IS a magical moment!

Awesome picture of you as well!
June 28, 2011 at 9:03 PM
laughwithusblog said…
Oh this just gave me chills!
June 28, 2011 at 9:16 PM
Eddie said…
I think Travel Nurse is right. Music can be healing, but it has to be personal. A harpist up and down the hallway is the same as a radio. But when a beautiful young woman (like my wife) comes into your room and smiles and sings, it has the potential to be a much more uplifting and healing event. I am proud of you, Elizabeth.
June 28, 2011 at 9:18 PM
Linda at To Behold The Beauty said…
So sweet. I'm so glad to know there are people who do this sort of thing and do it with a genuine love for the people they are ministering to. The photo doesn't look like it was taken in a nursing home, though. Was this another "gig"?
June 28, 2011 at 10:30 PM
Elizabeth Grimes said…
Linda, yes the picture is from something else, just one that I found of my guitar.
June 28, 2011 at 11:34 PM
Robin said…
Wonderful that you can use your amazing talent in this way...
June 29, 2011 at 3:12 AM
Daryl said…
When ToonMan was in hospital this past winter he was serenaded by strolling musicians, I had no idea they were from Sing for Hope .. and who knows maybe you were one of them!
June 29, 2011 at 9:21 AM
Rick said…
A heartwarming post, Elizabeth ! A number of years ago we went caroling at seniors' homes - the reaction was amazing as many of them joined in.
July 2, 2011 at 1:56 AM
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