No Better Send-Off

In my second time around the floor, this patient was standing at the door, clearly waiting for me. “Can you come in and play?” he asked.  I followed him into his room, where a staff member and his wife were talking. “Don’t mind them, but just play for me please.”  He sat down, clearly enjoying the music, and I played through and around a number of holiday songs as he first took it in through his eyes, watching my hands and my face and looking carefully at the harp. As I slowed the music, he gradually sank back into his chair, eventually closing his eyes and breathing softly.  I continued to play as he remained in that position, resting.  He gradually opened his eyes and said, “I’m being discharged today.  I can’t think of a better send off.  Thank you.”