Music's power to heal is well-known. Music affects people deeply. It can pull you out of your grief and help you heal.

I lost my mom a few years ago,  Carly Simon’s “Like a river” helped me.

The following lyrics, resonated with me

“I'll wait no more for you like a daughter,
That part of our life together is over
But I will wait for you, forever
Like a river...”

Are there other VH community members out there, who have a particular song that helps or helped them?

Hi GirlWithTheBlackBaret,

I understand the “healing and/or comforting” power of music. 

As a Resident Support Volunteer at our local hospice, I often sing to the residents.  It is not for everyone, of course, but for those who welcome it, the power of music is astonishing! 

Currently I am singing, Nat King Coles “Unforgetable” to a sweet 83 year old resident who’s husband died decades ago.  She is a very sweet and loveable lady.

Truthfully, I tell her that she is unforgettable and that I will never forget her. 

When I sing to her, she looks deeply into my eyes without blinking or looking away.  I experience a “connection” that I have rarely had with any other human being.  And imagine, I’ve only known her for two weeks!  

The amazing and powerful effect of music.  I am in awe. 

I don’t understand it, but then again, some of the most beautiful things in life don’t need to be explained or understood.   - ekim

Music is a powerful dynamic in human relationships.

I love to sing to residents at our hospice.  I have had many memorable experiences - like the lady who said to me, “You know, in my lifetime I’ve had two men propose to me, but I’ve never had a man sing to me.”

The PSW (Personal Support Worker) was trying to bathe, change and dress him with little success.  I told him that I had just written some lyrics to a well known tune and it spoke of the compassionate care that we provide at hospice.  I asked him if he would like me to sing it to him – he would be the first to hear it.  He replied, enthusiastically, “Yes”.

It was not the quality of my singing or my song that did it, I believe.  I believe that the soothing sound of someone singing “for him” as opposed to “to him” that brought him comfort.  For the moment he was not focusing on his situation.  I know that the comfort was only for a moment, but considering how few moments remained in his life, I hoped that my effort was worthwhile.

I will try being a good listener and use the other traditional methods we were taught in our training.  But when nothing else seems to work and I find myself over-analyzing in my attempt to be compassionate and effective, sometimes the simplicity of song is just what works best.

-eKim