Merry Christmas to those who celebrate Christmas and Happy Thursday to everyone! In case youre wondering why Im posting today, I actually posted this on Sunday, but scheduled it to post today. So, no need to leave comments chastising me for working today! :) I took a good deal of time reflecting on last Christmas when deciding what the Song of the Week should be this week. Several years ago, a family member of mine died on Christmas Day and I clearly recall how difficult that was for my extended family who were with him. So, when I received a message about a hospice patient actively dying while surrounded by his family last year, I knew I had to spend time with them. It was one of the most meaningful and memorable experiences Ive had as a therapist. Then, the next day, I received another message about another hospice patient who was actively dying and whose wife was requesting a very specific piece of classical music to be played. iPod and Bose speakers in hand, I visited them in the hospital, just two rooms away from the family I had seen the day before. I was honestly a little nervous that I would not have the correct classical piece and would let down the patients wife, but as it turns out, as she described the piece to me, I was able to immediately name it and the composer and pull it up on my iPod. The piece is the Enigma Variations by Elgar, specifically the movement named Nimrod, which you can listen to in the video below. I played this piece for her numerous times and was able to watch both her experience significant physical and emotional responses to the music. Where she had been closed off and guarded when I walked in, she became relaxed enough to begin to let herself experience the emotions surrounding the imminent death of her spouse. Again, another incredibly meaningful and memorable experience for me as a therapist. While I hope this Christmas is less exciting work-wise than last, I am truly honored to have provided support for the two families who let me into their lives last Christmas. I hope that your day and the remainder of your holiday season is filled with positive, wonderful, meaningful, and memorable experiences with your loved ones. ~ Jennifer
Posted on: Thu, 25 Dec 2014 17:00:00 +0000
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