A Song from the Heart

A female patient, alert and oriented, was waiting at her door as I made my way down the hall. She motioned me into the room and said, “I want to take advantage of this.  What a treat.” She sat on the bed resting comfortably, at first watching as I played, then eventually appearing lost in thought, tearing up a bit.  I began a hymn, which she immediately recognized, singing along.  I continued to play that hymn and three others, each of which she recognized, her voice growing stronger with each as I played.  She sang several verses of “Amazing Grace,” singing from her heart, eyes closed, lost in the music.  “That was truly healing.  I love to sing but I had forgotten that for a long time until you came along. Thank you.”