“… I Cry at Everything”

I was called into the room immediately by the patient’s daughter, who was seated so she could see the door.  She said, “Look, Mother.  You’re not going to believe this.  It’s a harpist!  Yes, a real harp.”  I entered the room to find the patient sitting in a chair, alert and oriented, smiling as I came into sight.  I began playing “La Vie En Rose” and the daughter immediately began crying openly, saying, “Don’t mind me, I cry at everything.”  I assured her that tears were fine and that I also cry at times when playing for patients.  The patient smiled at her daughter, placing her hand on her knee to soothe her and I continued to play as we both waited for the daughter’s tears to slow.  When I finished, she said, “Thank you so much. I guess I really needed that.”