Today has been very reflective as we shared the funeral service of a long-standing Forget Me Note. We shared stories and songs together that told the story of her life. We listened to a tribute from her husband who helped us to understand the unique person that she was and is. There was one song that stood out for me and that was the song:
‘Perhaps Love’ by John Denver.
If you haven’t heard it before, then I would suggest you have a listen on YouTube. The lyrics are inspired and could only be written by someone whose picture of love is so rounded and whole.
On Monday I was at the BOLD celebration. Bold is about leadership in dementia and for the last five years they have been empowering leaders within this remit. I met several new people and reconnected with some people who I hadn’t met for a while.
On Tuesday I had a meeting with our music therapy student. It is coming to the end of her placement, so we were talking about last things. Closing relationships that have been built and moving on is a particular skill and we were looking at how this might be done in the best way possible. It has been a great placement for The Forget Me Note Project, we have loved having a student and it has made me reflect on how I do my own learning.
Last Thursday we had some new people at Choir in the Park, which was good, this session was attended by some school children who are doing a project on The Forget Me Notes Project. While this was taking place, Paul was at Open Door doing a session there. They had a funder coming to see Open Door and she wanted to see the music project in action.
On Friday, Paul and I were at Strachan House while Tilly and Alice were at Seagrove. All this activity under the banner of The Forget Me Notes Project. It is a reminder for me that people move in and out of our lives, leaving an imprint all their own making.
It was like that for the lady whose funeral we took part in this morning. Her and her husband have made a mark in my heart that I will carry forever. John Denver’s song explores what love is like for different people and what it means in different contexts.
The second verse starts:
“Perhaps love is like a window, perhaps an open door, it invites you to come closer, It wants to show you more.”
What I have discovered about love and working with people is that I should always prepare to be surprised and always be prepared to learn more. The wonderful thing about being human and being loved is that when the environment is well supported, warm and inclusive we flourish. Thank you Forget Me Notes everywhere for all that you teach me every day and as the song says:
“My memories of love will be of you.”