Peace Like a River

Three weeks down, and I'm finally getting a grip on the routine here. We see so many different people, in so many different places, that it's hard to keep everything straight! Every week we see several outpatients, as well as inpatients, for individual clinic appointments; residents in the Community Living Center, (both individually and in groups); participate in the Guitars for Vets workshop; and spend one or two afternoons on the palliative care/hospice unit. It's enough to keep a girl busy! In addition, we collaborate with recreation therapy and physical therapy as needed, attend treatment team meetings, plan sessions, learn music, and then of course, paperwork!

Since I've been here three weeks now, I've gotten to know some of our patients whom we see every week. It is so much fun to participate in sessions, to come up with goals, and watch the progress being made. It's amazing to see the lightbulb turn on in someone's head as they finally grasp a concept, or master a new skill. Progress is a wonderful thing, and something I am honored and humbled to be a part of. These veterans have been through so much, and it's a precious thing to share their struggles and their successes.

Some sessions are more difficult than others, though. Palliative care and hospice is the hardest afternoon of my week. The three of us bring our guitars, binders and binders of music, a keyboard, and go up to the unit to do bedside music sessions. Our goal is to provide music that each patient enjoys and feels an emotional connection with; sometimes if we pick the right song, it triggers a memory that they share with us. Other times, family members are there, and they are able to share a song with their loved one. Sometimes the patient never even wakes up. Every session is different. But even in three short weeks, I've seen patients come, and pass away. For these sessions, our goal is not progress.

Sometimes I wonder what music can actually do in the face of cancer; what can music do in the face of death, loss, and grief? Then I remember David, and how he played his harp when King Saul was tormented by evil spirits. Music is a divine gift from God which can bring peace, even in the face of the unspeakable. When we bring our instruments and our voices to the palliative care unit, we bring peace with us, the only gift we can give to someone who is dying. It's a hard thing to combat fear and pain with a guitar and a song, but it is also the most beautiful, rewarding thing I've ever done. Please pray this week that I will have peace in my heart, to share with those around me.