Down the Hall

As I entered the hallway, I heard non-stop screaming from a patient down the hall.  Staff were busy entering and leaving that room.  As I looked into this room, I noticed that both the patient and family member were obviously stressed from the screams of the other patient.  Thinking I might be able to help them, I stopped outside the door, but in plain view, and began to play a lullaby loudly enough to be heard over the screaming.  I could see from the visitor’s facial expressions and the body tension of the patient that, as I continued to play, they both began to relax. I repeated the melody a few times. When I finished playing, the visitor asked, “All Through the Night?” I nodded. He continued, “Very nice.  It helps.” I replied, “I’m glad.”