I Remember You

A visitor came out of a patient room as I was walking down the hall and said, “I’m sure you don’t remember, but, you played for my mother when she was in the ICU and I know how much that relaxed her. I saw her whole body relax when you played for her. She’s dying. Can you come in and play for her now?” I paused at the doorway (contact precautions were posted) and played very softly and slowly and simply through some familiar pieces, noodling the majority of the time, matching my music to the patient’s labored breathing. Several family members were around the bed, watching closely.  The patient’s husband was sitting next to her, and as he recognized a piece of music, took the patient’s hand, closing his eyes, with a look of deep sadness on his face.  He remained this way for several minutes, eventually looking up and smiling at me, waving his hand in thanks.  I slowly left the room, playing softly. Upon returning later, I found the patient had passed away. I offered several hymns, softly and slowly, outside the door.