So let's begin...Here are some of my past "tales". To protect the privacy of the patients, no real names are used. What I love about this service is the opportunity to help people see how "special" they are. The music is coming from THEM, and I tell them "that beautiful melody came from YOUR beautiful spirit". Their eyes light up and it brings them joy.

Ed was an unhappy man as he lay in his bed week after week. The nurses said he never smiled. Yet...whenever I entered his room, he lit up with a big smile and then closed his eyes waiting for the music to begin. Each time, he would say "My, my, you just hit the right tune for me today. It was just what I needed". And I would remind him that it was not I who was making this music, but his spirit that was expressing what he needed flowing through my flute. We would smile together.

Sarah didn't want me to play her "special song" - she only wanted Amazing Grace. I would play it over and over as she would relax her head into her pillow and peacefully smile. It touched her at the core and I was pleased I had memorized "that" song to give to her.

Bill said "How did you know?" I asked "Know what?" "How did you know I am Irish/Polish? Did you see my name?" I replied "No, I only saw Bill on the door". The Irish tune with a polka twist that came through my flute surprised me, but I've learned to never question the music that comes. It WAS his special tune and meant just for him. He kept repeating - "wow, that's so awesome...how did you know...?"

Jane gave me a very detailed "vision" of where my music took her as she closed her eyes and listened. Together we went to a beautiful Irish coast (she was Irish too!), with the green pastures gleaming and the wind in our hair and then wound up singing in an Irish pub. She loved the journey as it had taken away the physical pain she was feeling, if only for a brief time.

Sue's whole family was there as Sue was struggling for breath in her final hours. Did they want me to play? "Yes, please!" I explained that "I "tune into" Sue's spirit, so let's see what comes through". When I finished, her best friend said - "That was Sue!!! That music was just like her. I could feel her spirit. You nailed it!" I was glad that this music gave her friends and family comfort in those final hours.

Then there was Dot. Dot was sleeping when I went in to play, but I'm always instructed to play anyway, because at some level we believe they can hear the peaceful sounds. This time, I didn't feel like "improvising", but rather felt called to play Amazing Grace. As I played it, I watched Dot but became concerned that perhaps she wasn't breathing. When I finished, I put my finger in front of her nose, but as I'm not a nurse, I just wasn't sure. Then, for some reason, I felt called to play Amazing Grace a 2nd time. When I left Dot, I immediately went to the nurse's station and reported that I was concerned that Dot might not be breathing. "Oh honey, she's dead. We just haven't gotten to her yet". Well...I know that Amazing Grace accompanied her to heaven, with a double dose to boot.

These are some of my past "tales" from the last few years. As I continue this service, I will post occasionally and also enhance this blog to where if you feel so inclined, you can donate to our local Hospice center. Stay tuned...(no pun intended).

Welcome!

Welcome to my new Blog! It is called "Musical Tales at Hospice" because that is what I do - create a musical "tale" at our local Hospice center, called Solace, by improvising a song on my flute. I visit each patient, "tune" into their spirit and energy, and then let that spirit express itself through my flute. It is THEIR song, coming from THEIR spirit, unique to each patient. I never know what the tune will be...I just allow it to flow.

I have been offering this service for almost 2 years inspired by the passing of a neighbor who enjoyed hospice musicians at the end of his life. Through this service, I have enjoyed bringing comfort, joy, and peace to those precious souls who are close to making their transitions. The purpose of this blog is to share some of these heart warming experiences, so that families and patients can know that this "end of life" can be beautiful and peaceful, and not something to be feared.