A special day playing for families of loved ones and for those patients who enjoy the music. One lady said "your music matches my heartbeat". Another lady said she got goosebumps and how the music made her feel special, once she realized that the tunes were "hers". I just get out of my own way and let their spirit express itself through my flute. She was amazed by this and got wide eyed as I explained, and then smiled so big. It made my day special too.

Today I enjoyed visiting and playing for the very creative, visual patient who can weave a whole story around my music. It gives both her and me such pleasure to see what "story" the music evokes for her. The Irish tunes surfaced again today for the gentleman with Irish heritage, and he about got up and danced a jig! Another lady waved her arms in the air "directing" me as the music flowed out, and the tune was so melodic and beautiful, mirroring her beautiful spirit. I'm always amazed how many people tell me that they just "love" music and that my flute calms and soothes them. Music IS the language of the soul!

I'm always so grateful and surprised by the reactions of the patients at Solace to my music. During my weekly trip this week to Solace, a COPD patient who was struggling for breath visibly calmed down as the music poured out of my flute. A family in tears reacted with joy as the music expressed their loved one so perfectly. They said he loved music and the tune that came through my flute was "just the kind of music he loved". An actively dying lady opened her eyes and smiled (perhaps for the last time) as the music poured forth. When I left, she called me back to play more. These experiences really confirm for me the power of music, and how comforting it can be during the "transition" process to the other side.

After a long absence due to vacation, I'm back playing my musical "tales". Today was especially poignant, as a Solace patient's family asked me to play at his funeral. It was a sweet funeral where I learned about this man's life and how much he meant to people. As I tuned into his soul, I was happy that he "sent" me a wonderful tune to play for his family and friends that was so melodic and beautiful, just like him. It was a pleasure to do this and I felt his presence.