February 01, 2015
Hi Facebook friends and family! This afternoon was a special kind of day for me. No, it wasn’t because it was Super Bowl Sunday. Not coming against all you football fans, but football games are just not my thing. I spent the afternoon at The Magnolia. In case you don’t know, The Magnolia is an assisted-living facility which specializes in the care of dementia and Alzheimer patients. It’s where my friend Marejohn and her husband, John live. I’ve been going in and out of there on a regular basis for about a year and a half. It only takes a few visits to get to know most of the staff and the residents. I worked almost all day Friday putting together a playlist of music I hoped the residents would be able to relate to. I cut and pasted, and reworked recordings until I had put together a continual medley that would take 27 minutes to sing. I picked songs like “Standing on the Promises”, “When We All Get to Heaven”, “How Great Thou Art”, and “Because He Lives”. Even though many of them can’t remember whether or not they eat breakfast or where they are, it was my prayer the words and music of these songs would somehow be familiar to them. Over the course of the past few months, I’ve watched many of them sitting in silence; some obviously unable to communicate, while others are reluctantly accepting the solitude forced upon them by this horrible disease. I’ve read quite a bit about how dementia and Alzheimer patients often respond very positively to music. On the way, I wondered if these precious one’s I’ve become acquainted with would show any sign of interest or response today. Would the music of the old hymns stir something within their hearts and minds? Let me tell you what God did today! There is one little lady who I’ve never seen smile. Not even once in all the visits I’ve made. She stays completely to herself and is sometimes a little negative toward anyone who wanders into her space. Today, I saw her smile. She sat on the couch and sang almost every word. She clapped her little hands and then she stood up and I gave her a hug. She took hold of my hand and as the music played, hand in hand she waved my arm in time with the music; all the while with this huge grin on her face. As we sang I could by the expressions on their faces, God was touching their memories and their hearts. After we sang I read a short scripture and shared about five minutes about how much Jesus loves them and how He is always with them. Finishing up, I went around the room thanking each of them, telling them Jesus loves them, and giving out hugs. One little lady said, “Honey, this just made my day! I was really down but now my heart is happy!” Each one who had participated shared an appreciation that I knew was coming from their heart. I began to put away my things. The Charge Nurse came in and ask me to continue the singing. She said, “I saw how they responded to you and this is what they need!” So, I set it up and we sang through the 27 minute playlist again! By then, we were all tired and ready to take a break. I made another round of hugs. Packed up to leave. And, called it a day! God had proven Himself faithful one more time. Where there had been only seclusion and isolation, His love had flowed like a river; filling empty, despairing hearts with hope and faithful peace. It doesn’t matter that by tomorrow they may have completely forgotten about singing today. What does matter is that for 54+ minutes today there was a special group of people who experienced God’s love directed personally toward them in a very distinctive individual way. I believe He wants each of us to encounter such a personal intimacy with Him. As you go through your day, remember “Jesus Loves YOU!”
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Thanks for checking out my website and coming to my blog page. I pray you will be blessed and encouraged by the things I share. Have a great day! Deb Archives
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