Music, A Breath of Fresh Air

Sitting in the sun and watching the clouds pass by, my patient and I spent one afternoon doing this very thing. The crisp air and warmth of the sun seemed to grasp hold of her like a friend from long ago. As we sat and talked about life, I could not help but think about her life and what music has done.

This woman lives in a skilled nursing facility and is later in her years. She is full of life, enjoys laughing and singing Que Sera Sera. My patient is social and open to learning new things. When I asked what she wanted to learn if she could go back to school and learn something, she said, “I’d like to learn about the world.” She hugs me hello and kisses my cheek goodbye, and openly thanks me for being her friend. 

This patient of mine has had a hard time recently with increased health problems; she often recounts these difficulties. She talks about her voice and how it has changed over the years. It is loud and hoarse, much different than I imagine it being in her youth. Hearing loss has had a big impact in her life and I believe it is a primary cause of the voice impairment. Her eye sight, as the doctors say, will only get worse from this point on. Whatever her limitations, hearing, seeing, or moving on her own, she is still seen with a smile on her face. 

She is a strong support of others and empathically responds when she realizes someone is not aware of reality. She offers a hand or says to another woman, “It’s going to be okay. You’ll get through this.” She offers a soft and caring glance when someone is upset and is open with her emotions of sadness. Staff, visitors, and other residents gravitate toward her.

Through all of the challenges of life, she still attends every one of our music therapy groups. With her thick accent and boisterous voice, this woman sings along proudly. She doesn’t remember all the words, but she sure enjoys holding out a note far past the end of a song. The other members of the group often turn and look at her after each song and delightedly chuckle. I cheer her on for her passion of music and confidence in singing. 

Days may be filled with mundane meals and the frequent nodding off. She may wheel herself from one end of the hall to the other. Her health may be in constant decline. But, she is living life and music is a breath of fresh air. 

Music is a breath of fresh air.