One of our volunteers has played music with her children, now adults, all of their lives. Yesterday, her daughter,who plays a flute, joined us for worship. As we began setting up and settling in, she asked if I would like them to play a prelude. The residents, all who have Alzheimer's or some other form of dementia, had been gathered, and our good mornings had been said. As the music began, I had one of those wonderful moments of not needing to do anything but to simply witness. As I listened to the beautiful music and watch the people's faces, I felt love filling the room. I felt my very pores opening, and I wept. Just because everything was so beautiful. Just because I felt I was right where God wanted me to be. I heard the voice of the very wise Ms. Edna, who has lived in a convalescent hospital for over four years, saying "God always gives us the community we need." And I knew the gift, both seen and unseen, was right before me, and in me, and all around me.
Yesterday, Sister Maureen pondered keeping her song sheet. However, she eventually decided that singing alone was not what she wanted to do. "It is not as nice." This home we serve twice a month, so I was able to reply, "I will be back soon so we can sing together again." She said her thank you, and I took her hand. We smiled. Together.
May those who sow in tears
reap with shouts of joy.
Those who go out weeping,
bearing the seeds for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
carrying their sheaves.
- Psalm 126:5-6
And they sang a new song.
- Revelation 5:9
No comments:
Post a Comment