I am a volunteer with AVOW, providing respite and or companionship to people in their homes or in facilities. One of the woman I have been seeing weekly is JS. She loves music; music and dancing have been an important part of her life. Parkinson's has taken a terrible toll on her, but her lively spirit has not been dampened, nor has her love of music. She recently moved into assisted living where she rapidly became a favorite of the staff, and made many new friends among the residents. As well as being very determined, she is outgoing, friendly, and very likeable.
The visits from the AVOW music therapist are probably the highlight of J's month. She joyfully sings with Laura and loves every minute. Laura choses the music of her generation.
I've been seeing her every week. One of her goals was to write her life story, and we've done that together. Much to my surprise, when I saw her this week, she showed me a song that she and the music therapist had composed, by taking a vignette from her story and making it into a humorous song. She's delighted with it, proud of it, and very happy about it!
So you have a patient so happy that she has set her life story to music, thanks to AVOW!
I was able to take my Army WWII B17 pilot out for lunch with his car person to BC's favorite restaurant Boston Beer Garden. It was a delightful time for all and especially for BC, because I was able to buy him a six pack of Pabst's Blue Ribbon that not only was his favorite, but he couldn't find it here in Naples. Leave to the Marines to obtain anything needed.
He enjoyed his favorite Blue Cheese Cob salad and couldn't stop smiling. A good time had by all. Then the surprise came when I called for the bill. The waitress said, The Firemen paid your bill, and thanks for serving!