He read a few verses from the Bible and told a couple of stories, but what brought the light into their clouded eyes, what caused them to sway in their wheelchairs and tap their toes, what brought smiles of recognition to their faces were the songs that he sang. As the words and music to old gospel hymns like "Rock of Ages," "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," "Blessed Assurance," and "In the Garden" filled up the dining room of the nursing home, the residents who had come to the church service were transformed.
Those who minutes before probably couldn't tell you what day it was or perhaps not even their own names were singing the lyrics to the songs they had grown up hearing in church. Memories from long ago were triggered by the familiar notes coming from the piano keys. Some sang out in loud clear voices, some mumbled the words, some sang beautifully, some sang off-key, but they sang.
The music touched them in ways that it seems nothing else can. Their spirits were lifted, their eyes filled with light, and smiles appeared on faces where I've never seen smiles before. If you ever question or wonder about the healing power of music, I hope that you will someday get the opportunity to visit a church service at a nursing home the way that I did today, as I have done before.
Listening to and singing along with that music changed those people, if only for a short while. The hope and peace that the music brought to them settled over the room in a way that was nearly palpable. There was a sense of community and belonging and togetherness among those who were singing. In a place that is often filled with sadness, loneliness, and depression, it was a soft glow of joy.
16 comments:
Older people do love the old hymns, don't they??? And--even if they can't remember much of anything, many of them still remember all of the words to those hymns.... LOVE it, Daisy!!!! It does bring joy to our hearts--and to theirs.
Hugs,
Betsy
What a heart-warming post Daisy. Music touched their hearts and minds the way that little else can. I know you all received a blessing from that service.
Hope you have a nice week.
Amen, Sister! My mom sings hymns all the time, and remembers the second verse. I can rarely get past the first verse without the book in front of me.
It just amazes me sometimes how much the music changes those people. It is such a bright spot for them.
I remember when I participated in youth group at church. We use to visit some nursing homes and sang for the patients there. They always seemed to enjoy it so much.
Hi Susie! Yes, they really did seem happier while the music was playing.
Great great post, I so believe in the healing transformative effects of music.
Thank you, Sandy. I know that music has that effect on me. The right music can change my whole mood.
When my father was in a nursing home, I remember very clearing how the old hymns touched the people there. "Rock of Ages" and "How Great Thou Art" are always sung at out family funerals and those songs make me cry every time.
Hi Betty. I know what you mean. Sometimes it takes just a few notes of a song and it evokes such strong memories and feelings for me that it brings tears for me. It can be very powerful.
I so agree with you, Daisy. A mere couple of words can bring tears rushing forth ... the memories of yore or special moment. It is heart warming to see thee kinds of events stir the elderly ...
Have a great summer's week ~
TTFN ~ Marydon
Thank you, Marydon. I hope you are having a good week too! :)
We had an older lady who would attend church with her daughter. The older lady had Alzheimer's, and pretty much sat blankly throughout our time together, but when we sang the older hymns or read scripture, she would perk up and pip right in. Music and long remembered verses would bring her back to herself, if even for a few minutes.
Thanks for the reminder, my mother-in-law could remember those old hymns and sing along with us long after she had forgotten all our names.
You sing it, sister!
Kathy, Denise, and Rebecca, thank you. I read a book a while back about how the brain is affected by music. It was quite interesting how certain lyrics or notes can trigger memories for us. Hope you all are having a good week. :)
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